The Green Bay, Wis., CBS affiliate has completed a six-month technological transition to deliver its newscasts, including weather, in high def.
DMA 71
WFRV Broadcasting Local News In HD
Liberty Media’s CBS affiliate in Green Bay-Appleton, Wis. (DMA 71), has launched what GM Perry Kidder says is the area’s first and only high-definition newscast.
Bringing viewers local news in HD was a six-month process, from the concept stage to the actual build. The greatest challenge, WFRV says, was moving the existing equipment to temporary locations in order to bring in the new equipment required for HD newscasts, all the while keeping the station on the air, as to not affect the viewers.
Kidder said in a statement: “The continued hard work of Channel 5 Director of Engineering Dale Mitchell and a dedicated team of Channel 5 employees made the project possible. I also want to recognize our parent company, Liberty Media, for supporting our decision to be the first in the market to deliver this technology to our viewers.”
With the unveiling of WFRV’s HD newscasts comes another first: HD weather forecasts. Storm Team 5 will be able to track the path of dangerous weather in real time right down to street level.
In 1965, WFRV was the first area station to broadcast in color. It went on to become the first area station to broadcast in high definition and the first to broadcast Green Bay Packers preseason games in HD.
Comments (2)
Hope Yen and Charles Babington says:
June 24, 2011 at 10:42 pm
Credit here belongs to Perry Kidder! This long time GM and leader at WFRV has always been able to innovate, find a way to get it done amidst belt tightening, and always to make the budgets regardless! Give Perry a challenge, and he’ll deliver every time!!
David Eisenbise says:
June 26, 2011 at 5:03 pm
I echo Tom’s comments. Perry you are leading the team that got it done, as you always have! Kudos to all and Perry, what a nice high note to wrap up on! all the best.