MS NOW Unveils Times Square Broadcast Facility Before NBC Split
MS NOW is set to debut new broadcast facilities in Times Square on November 15, 2023. This transition marks the separation of MSNBC from NBCUniversal. The new facility was constructed in only three months.
Overview of the Times Square Facility
The upgraded location, situated at 229 West 43rd Street, comprises three floors dedicated to enhanced broadcast capabilities. It is designed to support 120 hours of live news programming every week and features a unique virtual production space.
Key Technical Specifications
- 1,782 square feet of LED displays
- Camera tracking systems for real-time perspective adjustment
- LED video walls with a pixel pitch of 1.6mm, operating at 240 Hz
- 2,648 individual LED modules covering around 2,171 linear feet
- A virtual studio boasting 60 million pixels and floor-mounted displays
- Camera systems capable of delivering four simultaneous images
- 300 lighting fixtures distributed among the three studios
Production Facilities
The Times Square facility includes:
- Two control rooms for seamless broadcast management
- A dedicated podcast studio
- A newsroom equipped with 360-degree camera technology for live shots
Additionally, MS NOW has established a Washington bureau in proximity to the U.S. Capitol. This expansion supports the network’s D.C.-based programming and signifies its commitment to comprehensive news coverage.
Strategic Shift Towards Independence
The launch of the Times Square facility is a critical step in Versant’s strategy to operate independently from NBCUniversal. This transition illustrates MS NOW’s dedication to building a distinct identity in the competitive media landscape.
Overall, the new Times Square broadcast facility emphasizes cutting-edge technology and strategic growth for MS NOW, reaffirming its focus on providing quality news programming.
