We’ve posted set photos and graphics from KSWB-TV, the new Fox affiliate in San Diego, Calif.

The station’s set, designed by BDI, including multiple reporting areas and a large outdoor chroma key wall and “mega map” for traffic updates. This area allows the traffic and anchor team to walk around the city, showing viewers the current conditions from a bird’s eye view. Using a jib, the map also comes with toy trucks, beach chairs and warning signs to represent hazards and local landmarks.

As you’ve probably noticed, the NewscastStudio Blog has been changed a bit.

We’ve rearranged the design and content to more closely match the rest of our site better and solve some display issues we were having with some browsers.

But, the most important stuff is all still here: access to the latest news remains in the left column, while category, archive and tag lists are below the ad to the right. One significant change is that the category and archive lists not appear as drop-down menus. We think this technique reduces clutter while still allowing quick access to the categories you’re most interested in.

Thanks for your patience as we continue to evolve the blog.

NewscastStudio has posted some additional photos from WBNS-TV’s HD set in Columbus, Ohio.

Click here to see the photos.

Michael P. Hill, the founder of NewscastStudio, has resigned his position at FX Group, effective July 11, 2008, and has accepted a position with the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo.

Hill will continue to remain active in the day-to-day operations of NewscastStudio, including developing new services.

WJAN-TV, an independent station in Miami, Fla., debuted a new set this month for its political news reporting.

The set uses clean lines and fresh colors combined with a debate-style desk fronted by a unique graphic panel. Technology elements and layered backgrounds add additional visual interest.