WBTV, Charlotte Debuts New FX Design Group Set

In a modern, growing city such as Charlotte, the best in technology and design feels right at home. This is exactly the reflection of the multi newsplex set at Raycom Media station WBTV. Packed with technology and style, the new studio, produced by FX Design Group, sets WBTV apart in the market and in the state.

Charlotte station WBTV debuted a new news studio using both a hard set and a virtual set.

From the start, WBTV and Raycom wanted a bold design that presented news in an environment that was modern, clean and yet familiar to their viewers. There were several conditions to be met in the fast paced newscasts that WBTV is known for: warm, inviting and technologically advanced. All of that was achieved in the new studio from FX Design Group that debuted February 2, 2015.

“The set looks absolutely top notch, but the immense technology at our fingertips, including the Virtual Studio from Hybrid TV, enhances every opportunity for news and storytelling,” said Dennis Milligan, WBTV News Director.

FX Senior Designer, Kevin Vickers, used his architectural skills, as well as design skills, first putting viewers in an environment that felt grounded and comfortable. From there he began carving out multiple areas for talent to present from, which incorporated a range of technology that includes a large 4×6 NEC array controlled though TV One’s CORIO Master Mini video system that serves as both their main backdrop and standing presentation area. There is also an 80″ monitor for reporters to use, as well as a 90″ screen for the weather team which includes a working weather office that is flanked with six large 55″ Sharp monitors and one 46″ NEC for traffic. Additionally, Digital Video Group was the integration partner and provided all of the aforementioned showpiece monitors as well as 28 46” monitors.

“In blocking our first shows and test runs, we absolutely couldn’t find a bad shot,” said WBTV CSD, John Rice. “When a designer incorporates that flexibility, you have a beautiful set, but the function is front and center.”

The set also includes color changing LED lights that help mood-brand the shows and stories being told, giving them needed flexibility throughout the different broadcasts and special events. Delivering all of this in a circular environment allows the production team to shoot from anywhere in the studio without having to worry about large traveling distances for cameras while maintaining quality shots of the talent.

The station wanted to continue its trend of embracing the latest technology by incorporating a Hybrid Virtual System. The environment needed to feel like an extension of their hard set and give them multiple positions for presentation. It uses a similar layout and materials, but also lends itself to invention and imagination in producing content beyond regular newscasts.

The details, even down to the multi wood parquet, and the gorgeous inlay design show off the architecture and follow the circular environment so that they eye easily moves from shot to shot.

“In all my years in broadcasting this is the best looking and most functional set I’ve put on to date,” said Nick Simonette, Regional Group Vice President/General Manager at WBTV, at Raycom Media Company.