CNN to offer on ground experience of US political conventions

CNN will offer viewers non-stop, unbiased programming across on-air and digital platforms at the US Republican and Democratic National Conventions beginning later this month. The network’s political team will travel to Tampa, Florida, and Charlotte, North Carolina, for live programming and events from locations on the convention floors, sky booths and a studio integrated into the CNN Grills.

CNN Grill is CNN’s popular diner concept at the 2012 political conventions showcasing on-air programming and serving as convention goers’ destination for a mix of good food, good company and lively political conversation. Located just steps from the convention locations, the Grills will operate as home base for the network and also will provide a social hub with nightly convention viewing.

“As the only US cable news channel that has not picked sides in this election, CNN has a unique lens with which to cover these conventions,” said Sam Feist, CNN Washington Bureau Chief and Senior Vice President. “Coverage of the conventions will dominate our air over two weeks as CNN’s deep bench of anchors, political reporters and analysts help Americans make an informed choice about their vote.”

Republican and Democratic National Conventions
Each convention day, CNN will begin coverage from locations inside the convention hall. Anchors Anderson Cooper, Erin Burnett and Candy Crowley will join lead political anchor Wolf Blitzer to lead coverage alongside chief national correspondent John King at the “Magic Wall.” Chief political analyst Gloria Borger and senior political analyst David Gergen will be on hand throughout the coverage each day.

On the final day of the Democratic Convention, (Friday, September 7 IST), CNN’s anchors and correspondents will move to the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, where President Barrack Obama will accept his party’s nomination.

‘Piers Morgan Tonight’ During the Convention Weeks
A special 9:30 am IST edition of ‘Piers Morgan Tonight’ will air live from the CNN Grill, where US based newsmakers and convention attendees will be gathered to enjoy lively political conversation while staying plugged into the goings on at the conventions.

CNN Digital
CNN Digital will be on the ground at the political conventions and in the CNN Grill, providing all the latest coverage online at CNN Election Center, the network’s hub for the latest political news, and updated CNN polls and the CNN Electoral Map, an interactive which allows users to try their hand at predicting the number of Electoral College votes each candidate will receive.

CNN Digital will also live stream key convention moments online at www.cnn.com/live, including nominee speeches and newsworthy events on the ground. CNN will be hosting live Cisco Election Roundtables at each convention, moderated by Wolf Blitzer. Users can be face-to-face with Blitzer by participating in this insider chat online at http://www.cnn.com/roundtable and can also submit questions to a panel of political experts.