Watch and Learn
Channel 5 works the kinks out of its new format.
Competing stations would do well to tune in to NewsCenter 5. In May its news team became the first in Boston to broadcast in high definition (HD)—and since all stations nationwide must do likewise by 2009, the ABC affiliate’s misadventures with the format may offer valuable lessons.
The challenges began with some of Channel 5’s macho men, who had previously balked at donning makeup for the camera. When HD exposed every tiny blemish with unflattering clarity, they suddenly had reason to powder up—a newfound vanity the station encouraged by hosting a week of cosmetics training.
That wasn’t the only curveball, though. The technological upgrade, which cost a reported $10 million, included a spruced-up set double the size of the old one. Behind the anchor desk, designers placed an intentionally blurry image of the Boston skyline—against which, producers figured, bubbly news readers like Liz Brunner would stand out.
They stood out, all right. So much so that perplexed viewers started complaining, wondering if their sets were on the fritz. Some, furious about seeing fuzziness on their high-def TVs, pledged not to watch until a new backdrop was in place. By June the station had ordered a replacement. While it was being completed, directors used more close-up shots to avoid showing the offending background. Good thing by then the talent had all come to appreciate the wonders of a little makeup.
The challenges began with some of Channel 5’s macho men, who had previously balked at donning makeup for the camera. When HD exposed every tiny blemish with unflattering clarity, they suddenly had reason to powder up—a newfound vanity the station encouraged by hosting a week of cosmetics training.
That wasn’t the only curveball, though. The technological upgrade, which cost a reported $10 million, included a spruced-up set double the size of the old one. Behind the anchor desk, designers placed an intentionally blurry image of the Boston skyline—against which, producers figured, bubbly news readers like Liz Brunner would stand out.
They stood out, all right. So much so that perplexed viewers started complaining, wondering if their sets were on the fritz. Some, furious about seeing fuzziness on their high-def TVs, pledged not to watch until a new backdrop was in place. By June the station had ordered a replacement. While it was being completed, directors used more close-up shots to avoid showing the offending background. Good thing by then the talent had all come to appreciate the wonders of a little makeup.
Originally published in Boston magazine, August 2007
