Other questions in this edition:
• Why doesn’t KDKA put dulling spray on the windows behind “Pittsburgh Today Live”?
• WTAE's 15-minute paid program for DraftKings during World News Tonight.
• Has WTAE announced what will replace “The Kelly Clarkson Show” when it’s done?
Literally, the same studio, except the big screen that was to the right of the weather center is now to the left, replacing the old 4x3 monitor grid. Otherwise it's exactly the same as it was in the past. No use of the AR/VR for news, as of yet.
So exciting. /s
From Scott's Facebook page: I'm a bit of a smartass and like to mess around at work. I try to keep things loose with my sarcasm. We're making TV. While very serious at times, it's a work environment that also lends itself to teamwork and camaraderie and having some fun. So, I was about to record some headlines for the news one afternoon and noticed Peggy, David and digital content manager Shelly Rodgers milling around by the weather monitor not paying attention to the fact the production staff wanted me to record. So, I decided to have a little fun with them...
Boaz Frankel announced on KDKA’s Talk Pittsburgh that he and his family are relocating to Toronto, Canada. His last day on KDKA will be August 24th.
The explosion of sports betting is a cancer for vulnerable people. The state is getting revenue from creating financially ruinious addictions.
As a news nerd, I'm all for new technology when it helps tell the story better. But I think this weekend's weathercasts highlighted one of the potential downsides of KDKA's new AR/VR studio.
It appears the new setup is only being fully utilized during the week. During Trey Fullbright's weekend forecasts, the jib camera seems to be locked into a fixed position. In this example, it's framed too high, leaving the lower-third graphics covering part of the weather display. Also, if you fast-forward through the video, the camera also appears to slowly drift upward.
If AR/VR is going to become a signature part of KDKA's presentation, it needs to be supported with the staffing required to operate it properly. Otherwise, the technology becomes more of a distraction than an advantage, and an unattended or parked jib camera ends up undermining the entire concept.
The Pittsburgh Progress is a spin on the now-retired publication Pittsburgh Union Progress operated during the strike.
Sports Program in Pittsburgh = Success.
Right now, it appears they're only using it for weather... since the newscast anchor is still in the newsroom.
The new setup will give KDKA anchors and meteorologists the ability to interact with virtual environments and graphics in real time, bringing a very different look to the station’s newscasts. The project was first reported in June, when KDKA confirmed that its existing studio was being renovated for the new AR/VR technology.
From the things I did not know department: WPXI did not start being associated with and carrying the Kaufmann's Celebrate the Season Parade until 1985.
This 1984 WPGH broadcast is hosted by Kathy Svilar (the Shop 'n Save lady) and John Paul Dellacamera (the Pittsburgh Spirit soccer announcer).
