‘NBC Nightly News’ moves to Studio 1A, with its graphics still a work in progress

One package was introduced from in front of the windowed production area, which gave the broadcast a chance to use a bit of a different look. The show’s kicker, a Holt-reported package on space exploration, was introduced from back at the 40-foot video wall a graphic that also used a unique look.

In this ‘coming up’ tease, the old-old ‘NBC Nightly News’ graphics package is visible in the lower third banner, while the newest motif is present with the bright blue rectangular outline. The look qualifies as ‘old-old’ because it’s actually a carryover from before the network redesigned the open and on set video wall graphics to use a matrix globe motif, instead of the small line segments and light bursts that are visible in the semitransparent blue, gold and orange part in the lower part of the screen.

Meanwhile, the “collision” of graphics packages became painfully obvious when Holt would tease upcoming stories and a new transitional element in the new, flatter style that was used revealing the old banners with the new border element on top. 

NewscastStudio sources say that a cluttered line of command within “Nightly” may have led to the odd transition across three graphics packages over the past 10 months or so, but that a new cohesive look is on the way.

Although the addition of new LED means the network no longer has to cover the “Today” logo that was once mounted on a white column when the space is used for other purposes, the large edge lit glass “Today” sunrise sculpture remains in place.

“Nightly” managed to shoot around it Sept. 13, with just some of the edges of the sculpture — not enough to read as the telltale sunrise — visible in some video on video floating camera shots. 

The sculpture, however, isn’t easy to move, and takes up quite a bit of real estate, but also isn’t positioned in a place where it would be visible on camera during “Nightly,” at least with how it’s shot now. There’s also the argument that it, like the curved elements on the sliding door that leads to a backstage prep kitchen and storage area, could be interpreted as part of the overall design of the set.

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NBC watchers will note that this isn’t the first time “Nightly” has used 1A. 

It used the space ahead of the 2020 election on selection convention and debate nights and the days surrounding them. The space was also transformed into the network’s election headquarters for election night, playing host to “Nightly” and ongoing coverage later that evening.

For that occasion, NBC also brought in solid wall elements that essentially blocked most of the exterior views of 1A. Many of these set pieces were done in the high gloss white that now has become a prevalent design element in the space.

Insiders tell NewscastStudio that a permanent move to 1A for “Nightly” has been in the works for some time, though it was at least partially delayed due to both the pandemic and renovations that needed to be done to the space.

Those insiders, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, noted that the Decision 2020 iterations of “Nightly” that used the space showcased its versatility, with the upcoming overhaul of the MSNBC side of Studio 3A and increased demand on that space for both cable and streaming productions making the idea of moving Holt’s broadcast out more appealing.

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There are some logistical challenges because Studio 1A is located three floors down and across the street from the primary NBC newsroom and studios. Technically, 1A is located inside the building with the address of 10 Rockefeller Plaza, as opposed to NBC’s famous 30 Rock address, though underground access makes it easier for Holt to move from building to building.

It’s also noteworthy that both of NBC News’ biggest productions are now originating from the same space, which is also a high profile asset for the network.

NBC took over the space that is now Studio 1A back in 1994 that was originally envisioned as a retail storefront. It has since invested millions into updating the studio, infrastructure and underground workspaces and control room as well as the green room and dressing rooms.

The notion of the “windows on the world” studio actually predates the current Studio 1A — going back to the debut of “Today” in 1954.

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Back then, the show originated from a windowed space down the street, but was eventually moved back inside 30 Rock in 1965 because the cost of purchasing color TV cameras for the standalone space couldn’t be justified at the time.

Since moving into Studio 1A, “Today” has become famous for its crowds of sign-waving fans behind anchors and its outdoor segments, which is better suited for morning TV than the network’s evening news — though the new streetside location could perhaps give Holt a way to showcase weather news (at least in the NYC region) or the seasonal happenings around the plaza, which include a giant Christmas tree, decorative flags and other displays. 

While a portion of a public sidewalk and road is visible from behind the production area, this has never been a primary spot for crowds to gather due to its limited space. Both NBC security and city law enforcement regularly patrol the area to keep crowds in check.

Studio 1A is enveloped in thick glass as well as an inner layer of specially designed glass to help prevent glare and sunlight from damaging equipment. NBC also has the ability to temporarily cover all the windows for either security purposes or when the studio is being used for something the network doesn’t want the public to see.

All of these features are key in maintaining both the flexibility of a space that can be used, at least for now, on both ends of the schedule, while making it a safe and secure broadcast facility that can still serve as a public “billboard” for the network.