Some Familiar Faces Are Out At CNN.com

From WebNewser: CNN.com Live is shutting down its anchor-driven newscasts as of tomorrow.
WebNewser has learned Reggie Aqui, Nicole Lapin, Naamua Delaney and Melissa Long, the four primary anchors of CNN.com Live, are being let go as are several production staffers.
In an email, obtained by WebNewser, CNN.com Senior Vice President KC Estenson writes, CNN.com Live will shift resources, "to create a unit focused on streaming major live events, producing video packages especially for CNN.com and increasing our overall on-demand offering."
The shift also means CNN.com will be adding several new positions "focused on original video production" before the end of the year.

Here's Estenson's note to his staff, sent November 12, 2009 4:16 PM

Over the last year, CNN has been widely recognized as a pioneer and an innovator in the digital space. And while the CNN iPhone App and the launch of the new CNN.com already are proving to be extremely successful, we must continue to evolve in order to maintain relevancy and engage new audiences, as well as responsibly and effectively manage our business.
Throughout the process of imagining, developing and launching our new direction, defining a new video voice was a key cornerstone of that strategy. In building out that strategy, we took a hard look at the opportunities afforded us by both live and on-demand video on CNN.com.
To that end, beginning tomorrow, we will no longer produce anchor-driven, continuous live video programming on CNN.com; and instead, are shifting resources to create a unit focused on streaming major live events, producing video packages especially for CNN.com and increasing our overall on-demand offering.
While this restructuring does involve the elimination of some existing positions, under Mike Toppo's leadership we have a core team in place to further stretch our lead in online video. Additionally, between now and the end of the year, Mike will be hiring for seven open positions focused on original video production to bolster our team's efforts and deliver on our overall strategy.
As always, thank you for the tireless efforts you put into the site every day and for being so committed to our vision for the future.
--KC

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Light and Easy Viewing

Hey everyone. I was going through my old video clips that I have collected over the last few months but had not gotten a chance to use them. Tonight post are just some light moments from CNN.

TJ Holmes and Randi Kaye share a story about a bear rescue.

Don Lemon jokes with TJ Holmes about getting a mortgage.

Larry King was given a square in Los Angles. Larry gives thanks for this honor.

A few months back I posted news of Stephanie Elam's engagement. Stephanie returned after her wedding and Brianna Keilar and Don Lemon talked with Stephanie about her special day (what a beautiful bride by the way).

Melissa Long and TJ Holmes talk Elvis and who does not love TJ as Elvis in a white Elvis suit.

John Roberts sends his co-anchor Happy birthday wishes from Denver. Kiran sure enjoyed her "29th" birthday.

That is it for me this week. Have a great one ~ Sapphire






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The Other Side of the Debate

Tonight, we saw the first debate between the 2008 Presidential Candidates. CNN covered the debate, but did you realize that TV wasn’t the only place that you could watch it? CNN.com LIVE had full coverage of the debate including a pre and post debate program. Their debate analysis was anchored by Nicole Lapin and Melissa Long.

Prior to the debate CNN Contributors Amy Holmes and Paul Begala discussed the impact of this debate and the expectations of the candidates.

Soledad O’Brien was with a group of voters in Ohio to get their immediate reaction to the debate using metering.

Once the debate started, you had a choice to make. The debate was being broadcast on two streaming live channels on CNN.com. One was very similar to what you would see if you were watching it on TV. The second stream had an enhanced look at the reaction from the group of voters in Ohio. He’s a close up look at the reaction … think of this as the entire debate in under 90 seconds…

During the post debate analysis, Melissa Long followed up with Amy Holmes and Paul Begala. Nicole Lapin spoke with another member of the Best Political Team Online (& on TV), Dana Bash.

If you missed the debate, have no fear. CNN has posted the video to their website (Part 1, 2, & 3) as well as a transcript.

The next debate (this one between the VP candidates) will be on Thursday at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

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The Real Story in Election '08...CNN's Magic Wall

So we are now in month 15 or 16 (although it feels much longer) of the 2008 Presidential campaign and at this point what is everyone talking about? No it is not Obama, Clinton or McCain. The real story of the election season is CNN’s John King and his Magic Wall.

A reader of ATC sent an email to me the other day about the New York Times article about John King and his “magic wall” by Jacques Steinberg. Ms. Phebe used it in her post over at ATA on Tuesday night but I thought it would be a great for tonight’s post. To read Jacques' article click here.

Not only is the New York Times talking about the magic board but so is MTV News. Tim Kash of MTV News recently went to CNN and spoke with John King on Pennsylvania primary night. To read Tim’s account click here.

Also in keeping with the election coverage, Beet TV interviewed CNN.com Live anchor Melissa Long Tuesday night on covering the elections live for the CNN website. To see the video interview, click here.



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