CBS46 Atlanta Debuts New FX Design Group News Set

The FX Design Group is behind the set design for the all-new News Set at CBS46, WGCL in Atlanta.

Storytelling, breaking news, traffic and weather coverage are now enhanced by special features built into the set, including a main video wall in a curved 3x6x46” array as a backdrop to the anchors, traffic and many other features. This allows WGCL the flexibility to not only change the backgrounds, but to showcase story content with graphics, video, animations and content. A tvOne CORIOmaster Miniis the control unit for the video wall. FX Set Designer, Stephen Ricker said, “”We really wanted to integrate and stay true to other key CBS affiliates by utilizing a lot of blues and silvers.”

Both the anchor desk and the weather desk design integrate Christie MicroTiles to provide motion branding for various newscasts, breaking news, and severe weather situations. These rich, colorful, dynamic tiles provide more pixels and are more high contrast, flicker-free than any other display available.

“We wanted a contemporary set that shows how nimble our news team is and showcases our content in every way,” said Trey Fabacher, VP and GM, CBS46. “I appreciate working with Mack and FX because they truly listen and bring ideas to life. We wanted Atlanta and the many surrounding counties reflected in this design with the ability to make our storytelling as graphically rich as possible.”

With the launch of the set and new motion design, WGCL has the newest set in Atlanta and certainly with the latest technology.

A leading piece of the set design was the move from incandescent lights to revolutionary LED studio lighting. These lights are futuristic and green and use significantly less power. There are many color-changing LED light ribbons throughout, which add to the overall effect. “With the help of Desisti Lighting, these LED configurations come to life and sets take on a living, breathing feel all their own,” said Zach Osborn, FX Lighting Director.

Additionally, a reporter area camera left of the anchor desk, has a three monitor array where each of the monitors can swivel from a horizontal to a vertical orientation. This will be a key component of the set while showcasing reporter stand-ups and news segments.

“This was an incredibly fun set to design due to the team in place at CBS46,” said Mack McLaughlin, President of FX Design Group. “With a very forward thinking leadership team, you can really push the design envelope to create exactly what they envision. Meredith is a very progressive ownership group and it speaks volumes in the design process.”