Virtual sets are coming to local news, driven by the need for more programming versatility they enable. News leaders at the vanguard of their adoption will discuss the process of ordering and implementing them—and the bumps along the way—in Virtual Sets, AR and the News, a TVNewsCheck Working Lunch Webinar, on June 27 at 1 p.m. ET.
Leaders from Televisa Univision, WCVB Boston, KPIX San Francisco, Ross Video and Disguise will share their insider experiences with the latest in virtual set and augmented reality technology, the business imperatives underwriting their adoption and the path of incorporating them into newsrooms in the hour-long webinar.
“Virtual sets have become something of a familiar fixture in cable and network news, but their rollout to local newsrooms has been slower, largely down to perceptions of cost,” said Michael Depp, chief content officer for NewsCheckMedia and editor, TVNewsCheck. “This webinar is a must-attend for GMs, engineers, news directors and marketers who are considering virtual sets of their own, offering a 360-degree look at the upshots and the challenges of putting them in place.”
Register here.
Speakers:
Kevin Kalia, Director of Engineering, WCVB Boston — Prior to joining WCVB in July 2023, Kalia was the director of engineering at WGAL, Hearst Television’s NBC affiliate in Lancaster, Pa. During his four-year tenure at WGAL, he managed all broadcast engineering operations as well as the station’s facilities and platforms. Of significant importance, his work there included helping to lead the station through the uncharted waters of the pandemic by innovating and adapting technologies, while simultaneously launching and executing the largest renovation project in the history of the station.
Long dedicated to advancing the media industry and mentoring future professionals, Kalia worked to build relationships with regional universities and high schools providing resources to media students. He led the charge and successfully secured an unprecedented grant from the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters to fund all new equipment for the broadcast program at McCaskey High School serving as a beta for future high school grants in the state.
Before WGAL, Kalia was the assistant chief engineer at WYFF, Hearst Television’s Greenville, S.C., NBC affiliate. While there, he helped manage all aspects of the newsroom’s renovation. He also managed all technical logistics for the station’s special events including two Clemson National Championship parades, total solar eclipse coverage and a Gubernatorial Debate.
Before WYFF, Kalia was digital content manager at Hearst’s ABC affiliate WTAE Pittsburgh, where he first was a producer in the news department. He began his broadcasting career at WTAJ Altoona, Pa., as a news producer.
Kalia, a member of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in media studies/film & television from Pennsylvania State University.
Mike Paquin, Senior Product Manager, Virtual Solutions, Ross Video — He is responsible for shaping the product, managing marketing and sales efforts and providing leadership and guidance on future product roadmaps.
Paquin has been working in television since 2003 and has a wide range of broadcast experience, having worked as an operator, graphic designer, tech support, on-site commissioner and trainer for small and major networks and events on a variety of products including XPression.
He then moved to work as a support manager for a national television network supporting production applications including graphics, automation, virtual and augmented graphics and robotics.
He joined Ross Video in March of 2015 as marketing product manager – technical for OverDrive, later promoted in summer 2016. Paquin led OverDrive until summer 2023, when he was promoted to his current postition.
Paquin has a Bachelor of Science in television production from Kent State University.
Ruben Robledo, SVP Production Operations, Televisa Univision — He is a seasoned creative professional and broadcast executive with a rich history in shaping and developing productions for the Hispanic media landscape. His career is defined by a relentless pursuit of innovation, from an intern to now a corporate leader he has a commitment to fostering competitiveness and a strong emphasis on organizational development.
Over the years, he has honed his expertise in brand positioning, audience engagement, value creation and driving sustainable growth in the ever-evolving media industry.
Robledo undertook the crucial task of improving and executing operational responsibilities for 20 stations nationwide, all while exploring innovative approaches to media delivery, including live streaming and interactive content experiences. This involved spearheading the creation, organization, and development of high-demand projects, national and local endeavors, as well as orchestrating special events and concerts, where he directed artists and supervised crews, agents, and managers.
Recruitment, training, and supervision have been pivotal facets of Robledo’s career, as he firmly believes in being a hands-on manager. His leadership style is characterized by a positive attitude and a strong drive for visionary thinking. He thrives on challenges and aspires to foster a culture of excellence in every team he leads.
Robledo’s skills encompass a wide range of specialties, including broadcast management, content development and production management. He has a deep understanding of media aesthetics and excels in roles as a creative supervisor/director. His expertise extends to media production planning, business development, strategic planning, organizational management and budget control.
Furthermore, he brings valuable experience in talent relations management, ross media and commercial integration, creative direction, social media, video and audio editing, designing, marketing consulting, professional musician, and on-air promotion.
Jeff Jeandheur, Director of Broadcast Operations and Engineering, KPIX-KBCW San Francisco — Jeandheur oversees the stations’ facilities and operations and has a robust background in news production and digital broadcast operations.
Prior to joining KPIX, Jeandheur was the director of engineering and production at KPRC, the NBC affiliate in Houston, where he spent 17 years. His tenure at KPRC included roles such as manager of news operations and manager of production and special projects.
Jeandheur’s career also includes positions at WFSB in Hartford, Conn.; WMTW Portland, Maine; and WEWS Cleveland, showcasing his extensive experience across major markets.
David Jorba, VP of Business Development, Disguise — David Jorba has held various executive roles in the broadcast graphics and content production software industry. He started his career as a creative director at CNN before moving to Vizrt, where he became president of their Americas division, then onto TVU Networks as EVP & GM for Europe.
He has partnered with Polygon Labs for two years as chief commercial officer before the company joined Disguise. Today, he drives commercial and business development efforts for the Disguise Broadcast division.
Glen Dickson, Contributing Editor, TVNewsCheck (moderator)
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