MIDWAY, Fla. (WTXL) — Out with the old in with the new! On Tuesday, ABC 27 debuted their brand new, state-of-the-art set.
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Designed by FX, the set brings a fresh look to the station while also providing an array of tools that will improve the way our team at ABC 27 tells stories that are important to the people across the region.
These tools include a large video wall to highlight key parts of stories for viewers, an open and inviting interview set highlighting iconic landmarks that make our community unique, and a new look and improved tools in the First Alert Weather Center.
“When our new owners took over WTXL at the start of 2019, we committed to improving our journalism in order to serve our community better," said Matt Brown, the Vice President and General Manager of WTXL ABC 27. "Today is a big step forward in that fulfilling that promise.“
In addition to the set changes, ABC 27 also unveiled their new Baron weather radar system. For viewers, this means more accurate and detailed weather forecasting as well as a myriad of other advanced features to include the ability to view storms in '3D':
- Giving you the First Alert with accuracy: With the new system, we'll be able to better pinpoint exact locations for the most damaging parts of the storm, whether it be a tornado on the ground or a hail core in a thunderstorm.
- Live storm tracks: Baron gives us the capability to track severe weather and draw live, updated storm tracks with arrival time on the wall and on-screen -- all without ever having to step off camera.
- More comprehensive forecasting: With the ability to clearly identify severe weather parameters, such as lightning, instability in the atmosphere, hail, or rotation potential, we'll be more detailed in forecasting severe weather on air.
- All-new storm views: During severe weather we can now look at a storm volumetrically, or in "3D." This tool helps us see whether storms are strengthening or decaying, and even identify potential rotation and how close to the ground it is.
- More live-looks: We'll be able to see weather from additional places around the our coverage area.
“Preparing families in the Big Bend and South Georgia ahead of severe weather is our number one priority at ABC 27. Having the Baron weather system will allow us to provide better detailed forecasts as storms move into those communities.”
Take a look at our photo gallery below that captures the deconstruction of our set:
