CNN is setting up shop in the Twin Cities. But before you break out a pair of suspenders and prepare to throw a parade for Larry King, keep in mind that the cable news giant will only have a small permanent presence.
In fact, the bureau will basically be a one-man operation, helmed by Chris Welch, a CNN campaign producer previously based in Des Moines and a recent graduate of the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.
The move is part of a nationwide expansion by CNN, which is doubling the number of bureaus across the country by adding 10 in cities that also include Houston, Las Vegas and Seattle.
Because of increased hassles and expenses in travel, it made more sense to have one or two people permanently based in major cities, said a network spokesperson. These staffers will contribute to various media platforms -- not just TV, but online reports and self-filmed video. Additional manpower will be flown in as needed.
NEAL JUSTIN
