(February 23, 2004) Raleigh, NC--WRAL, Raleigh, NC, has launched a 24-hour local news operation on its SD multicast channel using Crispin automation solutions. The 24-hour local NewsChannel has the ability to simultaneously air regular programming or sports events that preempt regular newscasts while extended or regularly scheduled news takes place on another digital channel, digital channel 53.2 (via the air) or channel 256 (via Time Warner Digital Cable).
"We are seeing more and more TV stations interested in dedicating one of their digital channels to news," said Alan DeVaney, owner of Crispin. "Our News Playback automation products are easy to execute and cost effective tools for operations."
WRAL re-broadcasts its 6 p.m. newscast at 7 p.m on the NewsChannel and carries news specials and network news programming such as CBS MarketWatch. It also utilizes graphics and content from their website, WRAL.com. Using Crispin Automation, material from the website and re-purposing of the WRAL news operation allowed Capitol Broadcasting to put the WRAL NewsChannel on the air for a fraction of the price of signing on a new station: "With very little personnel cost and equipment cost, we have started a new channel," said WRAL programming and special projects manager Jimmy Goodmon, Jr.
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