With a story as big as the US presidential election, it's important to bring depth to our news reporting, says Steve Titherington who's coordinating the BBC's international channels on a journey across the USA. They'll debate the issues with those who'll elect the next American president

From Los Angeles to Long Island, the BBC will be finding out what America wants, and what the world wants from America. Using radio, the web and television it will link Americans across 15 states with millions of people around the world to provide a global perspective on the election race. Not only will the bus be multimedia, it will be multilingual. Twelve BBC World Service language teams will be joining en route including Persian, Vietnamese, Spanish, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu, Pashto, Albanian, Russian and French for Africa. They will help to provide an alternative insight into the many communities that make up America's vibrant and diverse society, and link them with the wider world.

BBC's international radio, television and online channels will be broadcasting throughout the 38-day, 4,000 mile (6,400km) journey joining up with US partner stations, universities, community groups and individuals to investigate the real issues at the heart of these communities. In addition to the BBC debates, the route will include stops at each of the crucial presidential debates in Oxford, Mississippi (26 September), Nashville (7 October) and Hempstead, New York (15 October). The Talking America bus is a unique opportunity for us to meet the people whose experience and views will shape America for years to come, and to hear from those around the world who will be affected by their decision.


Setting off from the West Coast, World Have Your Say presenter Ros Atkins hosts the first leg of the journey. Talking to people along the way, the team will investigate a range of themes, including age, race, the economy and green issues.


Award-winning BBC World Affairs Correspondent Allan Little joins the Talking America bus in Oxford for the middle leg of the tour through America's Deep South. Civil rights, race in politics, religion, education and the 'war on terror' will be some of the topics covered.


The final leg of the journey starts in the capital of country music. Steve Evans, Business Daily host, joins the crew to look at the influence of music and issues such as healthcare and the state of the economy.

Steve Titherington is News Editor BBC World Service