A TVNewser tipster sent us this email which came from CNN's Atlanta HQ and went to a Univ. of Missouri E-list:

I'm sending this notice out for CNN's top Hong Kong bureau editor. We are having an unexpected staffing shortage in covering the Olympics and he needs experienced journalists who can write and/or shoot video to work on a freelance basis for CNN in Beijing. It is essential that you already have a visa. There is no time to get you one if you don't have it, so please don't reply to this e-mail unless that's the case. If you're already in China, that's even better...in fact, that's preferred.

Reply to me privately at xxx.xxx@turner.com if you're interested. We are moving super fast on this.

A CNN spokesperson tells TVNewser the email was sent by an "over-exuberant staffer" and that CNN.com as well as CNN are fully staffed for the Olympics. CNN is expected to reveal their coverage plans for the games later this morning.