CNN Demonstrates How Microphones Will Work at the Biden-Trump Debate During Interruptions

BLACKWELL: “If we go behind the podiums, you can see two green lights. When they’re on, they signal to the candidate his microphone is on. When the green lights are off, they signal to the candidate his microphone is off. Now I want to give you a sense of what it will look like for viewers at home if a candidate whose microphone is off interrupts a candidate whose microphone is on. So I’m standing at one podium and I’ll ask Phil to come in and take the other podium. And so, let’s say I’m answering a question. My light is green and I’m speaking. Phil’s microphone is off and his green lights are not illuminated. He’s going to interrupt me as I’m speaking, and this is what it will sound like. My volume remains constant, while Phil’s interruption can be difficult to understand.”

MATTINGLY: “Let’s try the opposite. My microphone is now on, Victor’s microphone is off, and he’s going to interrupt me. My volume remains constant, while Victor’s interruption can be difficult to understand. CNN’s production team has shared this demonstration with the campaigns earlier today, and we’re sharing it with you, our viewers, so everyone fully understands how tomorrow night will work. Now, we should note, by agreeing to participate in this debate, both campaigns and candidates have also agreed to abide by these rules. The CNN presidential debate airs live tomorrow night at 9:00 PM Eastern.”