CNN has reached an agreement with the Tel Aviv Hilton that in the event of a US attack on Iraq, CNN will place a film and broadcast station on its roof to cover missile strikes, if any, on Israel. CNN also rented a number of rooms on the hotel's top that will be linked to the station.
CNN examined several Tel Aviv shorefront hotel roof options before choosing the Hilton, because it is higher than other hotels. CNN used the Hilton roof during the 1991 Gulf War.
Fox News is also considering placing a broadcast station on the Hilton's roof and renting rooms at the hotel.
The Foreign Ministry and IDF Spokesman's Office used the Hilton as a media center for the foreign press during the Gulf War. The hotel was partly unoccupied since it lacked sufficient sealed rooms, and the foreign press teams that wanted stay by the media center used these rooms. Briefings, interviews and press conferences were held at the center.
Jerusalem Capital Studios (JCS), which provides broadcasting and production services for most of the foreign networks operating in Israel, has not yet received any requests for preparations. JCS VP news Hanani Rapoport said such requests are usually made at very short notice, and the company is able to organize quickly.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on September 24, 2002