CNN--Tuesday, May 27

By Megan Dunn

After a long day of heat and waiting, we finally began our tour of CNN on Tuesday afternoon, May 27. We met our two tour guides, Nick and Chris. The adventure began on the world’s highest freestanding escalator. After the two-minute ride, we stepped off into the world-shaped dome. While viewing live footage from a theater inside the dome, we were informed of CNN’s history. Before it became a news center, the building was an indoor amusement park. The park had a human pin ball game in which people were launched through a human-sized pinball machine. However, for safety reasons, this did not last long. In addition to the game, there was a skating rink where the food court now is located. After the skating rink was removed, the food court was built. When viewed from above, the tiles form the shape of the world and gold plates mark the 39 bureaus.

After the theater, the group split up. Half went with Nick while the other toured with Chris. Chris’s group went behind the scenes and viewed Nancy Grace’s studio. The background of the set is the replica of the one that is used in her New York studio so she is able to shoot from New York or Atlanta. Her studio is smaller in person then it appears on screen, but a comfortable setting. Behind her desk, she has hairspray, make-up, and a brush in case she needs a quick fix before going on air. After the excitement of Nancy Grace’s studio, we were able to do more behind the scenes activity. We went into the newsroom where the on-air action occurs. People were rushing through the room from one desk to the next, while two news anchors were sitting on stage prepping to go on air. The atmosphere was exhilarating and more exciting in person then how it is depicted on television or movies.

Once we completed our tour, we gathered in a conference room with Nigel Pritchard and Paul Ferguson. Public relations vice president Nigel Pritchard commented about CNN. “Our proudest moments are what we keep out of the press.” CNN prides themselves on their dedication to the job and that the day of your everyday journalist is gone. Journalists now are on call 24 hours a day. Regardless of the topic, CNN is devoted to each subject. Even though one story may be more important then the next, CNN takes pride in their dedication to each subject.

Technology allows CNN to keep a steady pace in each story. The technology world is evolving at a fast pace and CNN is strategically keeping up with it. They claim that blogging is the future and it is here to stay. Through blogging, the world is able to express their thoughts and even teach the community and journalists at CNN. Through the changing society, CNN works hard to be able to craft stories for its people and maintain that they are the most trusted name in news.