"Running" for CNN – Day 1

A number of Saint Anselm College students arrived on campus today to serve as "runners" for CNN. After a quick introduction, students were whisked off to a number of locations around campus, I was sent to Sullivan Arena, where the debates will be held, with two other students.

Working alongside the behind-the-scenes staff of CNN who have spent months planning the logistics of the operation, we all quickly came to realize how invested the network had become in producing this event. Our interaction with the set designers, technicians and producers — among many others — began to give us a sense of just how large of a production this will be.

After our shift ended, a tour of campus gave all of us a preview of what to expect in the coming days: satellite trucks are parked around the quad, prepared to broadcast with Alumni Hall in the background. The Carr Center, a multipurpose sports and recreation building has been transformed by what seems like miles of wires, and hundreds of chairs into what will be the press file center. Crews worked late into the night, preparing for what promises to be a busy weekend.