Via TVNewser, CNN is beginning rehearsals today for its new HD studio in Atlanta.
Atlanta is the last of the network’s major facilities to go HD. The set includes multiple presentation locations with a rotating anchor desk and is tricked out with more than 50 HD monitors, including the networks famous “Magic Wall” equipment. Also included is a new weather center.
At launch, the studio will be used for CNN Newsroom, Rick’s List, CNN Saturday Morning, CNN Sunday Morning and Sanjay Gupta, MD.
Another photo and commentary after the jump.
Certain elements of the new set, especially the L-shaped elements in the ceiling and LCD monitor array, seem similar to MSNBC. In addition, the anchor desk with its clear front is similar to that seen at WCAU-TV in Philadelphia. Overall, the studio’s lack of wood elements makes it a bit more modern than the New York set, though the two do share a large, blended rear projection screen element.
It’s also interesting to note the pastel lighting design used throughout the set and how this might play into the network’s current look. In the images shown here, the bold red CNN logo seems a bit out of place swimming in a sea of soothing grays, soft blues and pinks.
Also note the anchor desk appears to be designed for up to three people as well as the jib that appears to be equipped with a teleprompter.
It’s interesting that CNN has invested in such a substantial set in Atlanta that will get relatively little use compared to the New York facilities. That said, the new studio is certainly flexible enough to be used for any future programs that may be added.
Does anyone know where this studio is in relation to the current CNN Newsroom set inside the CNN Center?
The new studio is on the 7th floor, where Nancy Grace use to be located.
It’s about time! I hope the lower thirds on the screen will match the set. The pictures for the new HD set looks nice. It has a euro style to the mix.
Actually, it looks much more like the 2006 CNNI revamp. WCAU is practically a copy of those sets (Atlanta and London)
ATL has 7 hrs of programming during weekdays and majority of the live programming during the weekend is from ATL too…I believe it will be used very well, shows like CNN Newsroom may use the same format/style like CNNI’s International Desk… Also this upgrade makes it easier to get top talent to work from ATL.
I was watching CNN Newsroom this past weekend it appeared if they were not using HD cameras rather SD widescreen. Is there any truth to this?
It appears as if CNN is slowly straying away from the ‘open newsroom’ concept it developed over 30 years ago with the bust of producers and interns running around in a blur behind those infamous CNN Newsroom two shots. Even though the network still refers to Atlanta as their ‘Worldwide Headquarters’ I agree, both the NY and Atlanta backdrops look very similar. The one element that has always separated Atlanta from other CNN bureaus is the feel of a true electronic news gathering environment. Which during its conception, was looked at as a new innovated way to delivering TV news. With the exception of a few updates, the newsroom has looked relatively the same since the network launched the concept. Now make way for 20ft. rear projections and enough LCD’s to fill a Best Buy!