CNN announced today it will expand its "Uncovering America" award-winning programming initiative. Originally launched in 2007, "Uncovering America" is now a weekly multiplatform commitment to compelling coverage through diverse people, programming and perspectives. For this political year, CNN's 2008 series launches on Friday, Feb. 15, and continues each subsequent Friday, with coverage of how race and gender issues are impacting this presidential election.

"CNN already delivers the greatest diversity of opinions, stories and people in television news, and now we're broadening out even further. That's not only a more accurate reflection of American today – it also makes for more interesting and surprising news coverage," said Jon Klein, president of CNN/U.S.

Each week, CNN's Situation Room will carry special segments on current issues affecting underreported groups. Situation Room airs each weekday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (ET)

"Uncovering America: Race, Gender & Politics II," an Anderson Cooper 360° special, will feature a panel discussion moderated by Anderson Cooper. Debating and dissecting the key issues are chief national correspondent John King; Faye Wattleton, president and co-founder of the Center for the Advancement of Women; Republican strategist Leslie Sanchez; and Rutgers University political science professor Jane Junn.

During the special, anchor Soledad O'Brien examines the issues discussed within African-American and Latino communities for the 2008 election. Correspondent Jason Carroll interviews two Democratic congresswomen, sisters Loretta and Linda Sanchez, who are supporting different candidates for U.S. president. Randi Kaye looks into race vs. gender identity politics – to describe the factors some people are factoring into their decisions to support a female, Caucasian or African-American presidential candidate; Gary Tuchman gives viewers information on how the campaigns are reaching out to Asian-American voters; and John Zarella talks to Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign about how the GOP hopes to attract Latino voters that may have been turned off by perceptions of Republican policies and positions on illegal immigration. "Uncovering America: Race, Gender & Politics II" premieres at 10 p.m. (ET).

Headline News will feature "Uncovering America" coverage across its schedule, including within Prime News and News to Me, the network's user-generated content program, which will feature iReports focusing on diversity.

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