CNN plans New Orleans bureau

CNN is planning to open a fully operational bureau in New Orleans for long-term coverage of Hurricane Katrina's aftermath.

The bureau, to be called "CNN Gulf Coast," will be located in downtown New Orleans and will be equipped with satellite trucks and a studio designed for live reports. Equipment, correspondents, photojournalists, a dedicated production crew and a CNN Newsource correspondent will move to the bureau "soon."

"After officials and volunteers complete the first wave of relief efforts along the Gulf Coast, many journalists and news organizations will pack their equipment and trucks and go home. We’re not leaving," said CNN/US president Jon Klein. "The story of the devastating wrath of Hurricane Katrina will unfold for years to come as the coast recovers and rebuilds. CNN will be there to cover that story, and New Orleans will be a critical base of operations for us for a long time."