by Thinus Ferreira
Newzroom Afrika (DStv 405) has finally left SuperSport's Randburg studio that it used temporarily and is now back after 4 months in a new Johannesburg studio that was once again done by Michael Gill Designs.
DStv subscribers noticed that Newzroom Afrika switched from the redressed SuperSport studio back to using its own studio.
TVwithThinus asked Newzroom Afrika about the switch, after which Newzroom Afrika on Tuesday didn't respond to the media enquiry individually but sent out a general press release to all media through its PR agency Corporate Image.
In late-2020 TVwithThinus reported when Newzroom Afrika suddenly switched from its own studio set facilities to making use of SuperSport's studio and existing set at M-Net in Randburg.
At the time, Zamahlasela Gabela, Newzroom Afrika's marketing and publicity boss, and Faith Moliea, after multiple media enquiries and calls failed to respond to why the switch happened, although it was already then speculated that its because of a studio redesign and upgrade.
Newzroom Afrika's silence continued for the past 4 months, ignoring media enquiries and the fact that viewers could daily see that it was using another studio. The channel then either conveniently forgot or didn't care to respond to media enquiries when it was ready to announce in a press release that its studio makeover is complete.
"Our new home is an extension of our vision to be Africa's leading and credible news and information service," says Thabile Ngwato, Newzroom Afrika CEO in a drop-in quote in the press release that the TV news channel issued on Tuesday.
"Every piece of equipment and technology, every angle and every corner of our building exhibits what we are capable of. It represents a new chapter in our story and a dedication to giving our viewers the very best of everything."
Michael Gill says that "We took all the features of our old set that made us stand out from the rest, and enhanced them even more".
"The 16:9 format was pushed and now includes a 45m long wraparound screen behind all anchors. We now also have three separate areas in studio which can be used individually or as a whole."
"We have added many more elements to the set to make it pop on camera, these include high gloss black floors and mirrored elements. The design of the lighting fixtures used is also a definite highlight."
Newzroom Afrika's new studio is completely run by robotic camera systems from Vinten Radamac.
These seven robotic systems are operated by a single operator and give pinpoint movement and camera accuracy. Newzroom Afrika is also running the best of breed broadcast camera technology and lenses that give the channel exceptional high-definition pictures.
Talking about doing the studio change and upgrade during the Covid-19 pandemic, Adriaan Shipalana, Harambe Technologies CEO, says "It was a daunting challenge".
"Newzroom Afrika already had one of the most advanced IP-based platforms in South Africa from Evertz, as well as the latest newsroom computer systems from Avid."
"Moving the infrastructure was one thing, but also creating a temporary housing facility for Newzroom to continue broadcasting so that this infrastructure could be moved to a new facility was another."
The heart of the facility is built on the latest IP-based routing technology from Evertz Microsystems. The IP router is a future-proof technology that is able to handle Newzroom Afrika’s current technical infrastructure and all its future requirements.
