CNN tours: the story behind the news

Take a CNN Studio Tour in Atlanta, Ga., and experience firsthand how world news is presented. Inside CNN Center downtown, across from Centennial Olympic Park, visitors can witness how CNN — “The World’s News Leader” — has evolved and covered world events of the past 20 years.

The guided, behind-the-scenes tour lasts approximately 50 minutes. It’s a walking tour that leads down eight flights of stairs. Elevator-assisted tours are available with 24-hour notice.

History of CNN
In the interactive exhibit area, guests view video clips of the top 100 news stories that CNN has covered since its inception. How much do you know about journalism ethics? A display will test you.

At the heart of the tour is CNN’s control room theater, a one-of-a-kind re-creation of the main control room. Guests can see and hear the behind-the-scenes elements of 24-hour news, live.

In the special effects studio, visitors learn tricks of the trade, including use of the TelePrompTer. And, learn how the studio chromakeys -- set backgrounds, such as those used for weather reports -- are created.

Members of the tour group also can volunteer as weather or news anchor. It’s always fun, whether you’re watching or participating.

Another part of the tour shows how news travels through the CNN newsroom and makes its way to anchor’s desk, where it is delivered to the public.

The tour finale is a special presentation showcasing other Turner Broadcasting networks: TBS, TNT and the Cartoon Network.

Interactive News Desk
In the Interactive Area inside the Turner Store, visitors can make a video of themselves reading the day’s top news stories. Or, have your picture taken with Turner personalities on the studio chromakey. The Turner Store also offers news, sports and entertainment network merchandise.

You’ll leave CNN Center with new impressions of how news is gathered and presented.

Tours: at a glance
Cost: Adults: $8; seniors (65 and older): $6; group (20+ guests).
Availability: seven days a week between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Depart every 20 minutes.
Reservations: strongly recommended. Call (404) 827-2300 or (877) 426-6868 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Tours can sell out days in advance. Same-day reservations are not accepted. Large groups (20+) should call ahead for special assistance.
Online reservations: accepted by e-mail to stour@turner.com Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time. Reserve tour at least 48 hours prior to desired tour date and time.
Parking: Take your towed car. Covered parking is available in the Centennial Parking Deck on the corner of Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Marietta Street. You will receive $2 off parking with your CNN Tour ticket stub. Enter the decks from Spring Street, Marietta Street or Centennial Olympic Park Drive. Ample parking is also available on surface lots surrounding CNN Center.

CNN Studio Tour
www.cnn.com/StudioTour