[rabidralph]

That phrase was probably the pre-programmed command for the X to disappear. I haven't been in a modern control room but back in the day, computers weren't widespread in TV news. You could type the text into the CHYRON generator, make it any size you wanted and have it ready for when the director called for it. You would push the lever up and the text would appear onscreen for whatever purpose. I'm sure that with things being more controlled by computers, some doofus created the X and rather than tabbing down to type in his command, accidentally typed it on the screen portion and then re-typed it in the command space, not realizing that he previously typed into the screen. Sort of like when using Yahoo mail, the cursor jumps back into the address field, after you thought you tabbed into the text field. Just my theory.

[adam_az]

"You could type the text into the CHYRON generator, make it any size you wanted and have it ready for when the director called for it."

They still use Chyron CG's but they've been computer automated for over 10 years. I know first hand, because 10 years ago I wrote software to design screens and automate them via serial port. My handiwork was on air for the '96 election, and for all I know, the code is still in use. Maybe it's my fault! :)

[hummingbird]

Possible, rabidralph. It doesn't excuse CNN's lame and unbelievable response, but it is possible, I guess, that it could have happened as you say.

I was in master control once on a live program. All of the master control operators and the engineers could not stand the on-air talent...she was always snobby and "diva-ish" with the crew. She was also an avid tennis player and had the wrinkled skin to prove it!

MC and the engineers tweaked something and when she was on air, you could see every line and crease in her face. Her skin looked like beef jerky.

Everything was changed back after the show and quick prep for the next show set "levels" (or sumtin') back and the talent on the next show looked just fine.

Moral of the story: never send anything back to the kitchen and never piss off a television crew.