Crispin Corp.'s automation systems were used to launch a 24-hour local news operation on the SD multicast channel of WRAL-TV, Raleigh, N.C., one of the pioneering station in HDTV broadcasting. NewsChannel simultaneously airs regular programming and sports events that preempt newscasts, while extended or regularly scheduled news takes place on another digital channel. "We are seeing more and more TV stations interested in dedicating one of their digital channels to news," said Alan Devaney, owner of Crispin Corp.
WRAL re-broadcastsits 6 p.m. newscast at 7 p.m. on NewsChannel, and carries news specials and network news programming. The station also utilizes graphics and content from its Website, WRAL.com, which combined with the Crispin system enabled Capitol Broadcasting put NewsChannel on the air for much less than the cost of signing on a new station. "With very little personnel and equipment cost, we have started a new channel," said WRAL programming and special projects manager Jimmy Goodmon, Jr.
