Behind the Scenes at the Republican National Convention

A political event four years in the making has come and gone. As they are every four years, the Republican and Democratic Conventions are huge news stories.

This year we asked WCVB NewsCenter 5 anchor Maria Stephanos and WBZ News anchor Paula Ebben to share their photos and experiences covering the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio with us.

Maria Stephanos

Here's a small snapshot into the behind the scenes last week from the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio.

It's definitely not glamorous, but it is a huge honor to be there and document history. I went with my great photographer Bobby Souza for WCVB Channel 5. The first people we saw when we arrived there, the Mass State Police! About 50 members and I was able to capture this really sweet moment. The security presence was bigger than anything I've ever seen in my entire career and that included right after September 11. We would wait in LONG security lines, the camera was always put in front of a bomb sniffing dog. Secret service checked our ID's dozens of times a day. The process was tedious and we did it a couple of times a day. Worth it. Safety is everything.

And truthfully I was worried about the protests, but the law enforcement presence was so impressive. It was GREAT bumping into Boston media. Yes, we are competitive but we respect each other very much. Inside where we report, we stand side by side with other reporters from other markets and we are all talking at the same time! And then we have to try to hear over the speakers behind us. I actually love that part. The more chaotic the better! The days are long but the momentum of the event gets you through. My first convention was 2004 when the Democratic National Convention was in Boston. Wow. What a difference social media has made. For better and worse! More platforms to report on and more feedback.

I'm so glad to be home but so grateful I was part of the thousands covering the moments that will make history!

Paula Ebben

Covering the political conventions is heaven for a news and politics obsessed journalist.

Not only is the atmosphere electric, but you're bound to run in to just about every bold-faced name involved in party politics along with colleagues in the industry.

Whether it's the RNC or DNC, interviewing delegates is inspirational.

These people are true believers in democracy and the power of the individual to influence the political system. They're patriotic and passionate, the perfect recipe for fascinating stories that only happen every four years.

The people of Cleveland were wonderful, and the city and the Secret Service did a terrific job keeping events organized and safe.

A convention is a daunting assignment which means working 18 hours a day and walking for miles, and I was so fortunate to work with my talented WBZ colleagues Executive Producer Jim Harrington and Photographer Tom Matteo whose work was so impressive.

An unforgettable week with #TeamWBZ!