Sinclair’s WJLA Washington Shines With Brightline

The recent revamp of Studio A in Sinclair Broadcast Group’s flagship WJLA Washington is the latest in a series of close collaborations between one of the largest television operators in the U.S. and the lighting experts at Brightline. In a relationship that’s spanned several decades, the two companies have renovated hundreds of stations in markets across the country.

Getting TV stations on air is always a race against the clock that requires equal parts technical prowess and grace under pressure. Working repeatedly under such conditions has forged a turnkey approach between Sinclair and Brightline.

“No one knows more about getting stations on air than the head of production at a large broadcast group. Mark Nadeau, Sinclair director of TV production, and Eric Castagne, assistant director of TV production, have proven to be inspirational colleagues,” Brightline says.

“Everything we learn from previous stations carries into the next,” explains Sam Cercone, Brightline managing partner. “It’s a very fluid way of working, with each station redesign further fine-tuning approach. I’ve learned and enjoyed so much working with my colleagues at Sinclair. The latest evidence is our work at WJLA, of which we’re extremely proud.”

The redesign at WJLA’s news studio was sweeping. Consisting of a full Brightline fixture package, the set is the new home for 7News, Good Morning Washington and Fed Government Today. In addition to the new 100% Brightline lighting system, the LED monitors weave in and around key areas of the set. The news desk has a digital screen displaying the 7News logo, while two pillars on each side of the desk serve as video walls with a curved panel behind the anchors. Along with XYZ axis pedestals and robotic cameras, the technology at WJLA is unparalleled.

The internal team at Sinclair handled everything from concept through installation, including the scenic design.