WCYB-TV has used the same set and music since 1997 and has always created its own graphics.
WCYB-TV in Bristol, VA, has won the RTNDA’s Ultimate Newscast Makeover contest, which includes a new set, graphics and music package at no charge.
The contest, sponsored by the news directors’ association, is intended to provide “a lot of luster” to this year’s RTNDA conference program, where attendees will be able watch the makeover on video as it will have unfolded.
Broadcast Design International, Devlin Design Group, FX Group, Stephen Arnold Music and VDO are donating time, services and materials for the makeover. Each company supplied a judge for the contest.
The design team is expected at the station on Jan. 28 to discuss its recommendations for the makeover. The actual redesign of the station’s on-air news look will take place over a weekend between now and the RTNDA convention, held simultaneously with the National Association of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas April 16 to 21.
WCYB-TV, which is a news leader in the 89th ADI, was selected from 20 contest entrants because the station “has a good infrastructure, a top-rated newscast and is greatly in need of a makeover,” said association vice president Rick Omanski. The station has used the same set and music since 1997 and has always created its own graphics.
Station news director Steve Hawkins expects the new look, which is likely to include a new logo design, opens and over-the-shoulder graphics, to spill over to the station’s Web presence as well.
For more information, visit www.rtnda.org and www.wcyb.tv.
