Media Monitor: Backstage Pass
In our second installment of "Backstage Pass," we hung out with CNN for a good chunk of the afternoon.
8/25, 2 pm MT: CNN Grill
Shortly after Denver was announced as the host city of the Dem convo, CNN came to town to scout locations for the CNN Grill, its venue that mixes "good food and lively political debate." Brooklyn's restaurant, located adjacent to the Pepsi Center and inside the security perimeter, was selected (renovations began 8/16).
CNN pioneered the concept behind the CNN Grill in '04 with the CNN Diner at the GOP convo in NYC. CNN Worldwide chief marketing officer Scot Safon, who headed both efforts, said the most important aspect he wanted to retain from the CNN Diner was the "feeling of a fun gathering place," because convos give "a sense of hope and excitement." Used for both hospitality and production, the space is manned by a crew of approx. 65, including some of Brooklyn's own employees.
More after the jump, including pictures.
(KATHERINE LEHR)
Safon, harkening to his Italian heritage, calls the design "a big piece of art." One of his favorite features is the "ghost writing" painted onto Brooklyn's brick exterior. CNN.com users were encouraged to send in a few words about what politics meant to them (CNN=Politics has been the cable news net's trademark since '06. Safon: "It is a simple, direct statement showing the commitment."). A variety of quotes were selected to be displayed on the building, including:
Elizabeth Johnson, Saint Louis, MO: "My right, my voice."
Alex Floor, Brooklyn, NY: "A chorus to change the world."
Tara L. Daniel, Dallas, TX: "Simply everything."
Although Safon would not divulge any of the financial information, he did say the CNN Grill is "cost-effective." As for the '12 convos, Safon said CNN is "always looking to participate in the fullest."
Biggest CNN spotting: Anderson Cooper.
Most popular beverage: The "CNN Brew," a red ale developed by Breckenridge Brewery.
Most interesting item on the menu: Make Your Own Cupcakes -- chocolate and vanilla cupcakes served with minature pastry bags of colorful icing and sprinkles (Union Square Cafe's Danny Meyer, who worked at the CNN Diner in '04, has returned as chef).
8/25, 4 pm MT: The CNN Election Express
The bus, fondly called "The Baby" by its driver Dale, is currently parked in front of the CNN Grill. On 8/28, it will relocate to Invesco Field for Barack Obama's speech and then hit the road for St. Paul.
The bus has been traveling the country for "just over a year" and is staffed with three full-time employees (though eight people have been on board at one time): Dale, driver; Jordan Placie, engineer; and Joshua Rubin, prod. The Election Express avoids big cities, spending a majority of its time in small towns. Rubin: "It's easier to park." The staff actually prefers less populous places because the bus generates more excitement, enabling them to meet more people. Placie and Rubin name Bandera, TX, the self-proclaimed "Cowboy Capital of the World," and Park, KS (population: 150), as some of their favorite stops.
As for the Election Express' frequent guests, an engineer on board: "I consider it Bill Schneider's bedroom." CNN's Ali Velshi has also been on "a couple of stints." When not in use -- which is very rare -- the Election Express is housed in a garage at DC's Union Station or being repaired in Tampa, FL.
Fun Facts:
- CNN's previous bus (used in '04) was Hank Williams Jr.'s former tour bus.
- The music selections (primarily "country") are made by Dale. Placie: "If you don't like it, you put your earphones on."
- There is a shower in the bathroom, but it has never been used.
- The refrigerator is stocked with Coke, Red Bull, Gatorade and yogurt (a suspicious-looking hummus was recently thrown out).
- The first interview conducted on the Election Express (late Aug. '07) was with actor John Ratzenberger, who played Cliff on "Cheers."
Tune in tomorrow morning -- we'll be heading to breakfast at the CNN Grill. The French toast comes highly recommended.
The CNN Grill:
And The Election Express:
