Launch BBC News: Studio B

[headliner101]

I'm really liking the new set so far – it utilises the space far better than before, and is a real step up from the previous set up in Studio E. It also has so much more variety with the multiple presentation areas and screens – there is always a risk with a large studio of it seeming rather barren (The old TC7 for example, or even the new studio in Central Square), but the balance seems just right here, particularly with the portrait video walls which seem very European somehow.

I expect the touchscreen will quickly fall out of use barring special events like elections – it really breaks the flow of the report every time the presenter has to turn around and tap the screen. The newsroom backdrop is also a bit underwhelming, but all signs point to it being temporary until the new graphics package arrives.

All in all a sterling effort, and a great template to be replicated on a smaller scale for the other studios in Broadcasting House, and in the nations and regions.

We can only hope with the impending transition to HD regional newscasts, the upgraded studios will look that part.  For me, the one pet peeve that I have is that the backdrop of the "sit down" position does have a "fake" feeling.

Perhaps studio B was also designed to accommodate election night coverage to save them money from renting out studio space from external providers. I think with just a few minor adjustments, the election night will bring out B's full potential.