CNN creates cohesive look for debate

Another difference between CNN and NBC’s production setup was that CNN opted to place its moderators off to stage right rather than the center. 

The desk that Jake Tapper, Dana Bash and Don Lemon used was designed to match the candidate lecterns and was fronted with four increasingly narrow L-shaped glass segments, with one of the featuring stacked CNN logos.

Wrapping the entire set was a blacked out backdrop with dots of light that echo subtle accents found in the graphics package and opens. 

This is included having to using an on-stage handheld camera operator to capture opening shots of the moderators. 

While audience members served as the background behind the moderators, CNN also had some video displays strategically scattered around the Fox Theatre that displayed branded graphics.