Why your favorite news personality might look a bit different these days

By MixDex Article may include affiliate links

If you’ve noticed your favorite TV news personality looks a bit different these days, it could be because they are broadcasting from alternate or remote studios (including home studios) due to the coronavirus and social distancing practices.

While the list is ever growing, viewers will notice that many shows have switched to tight one shots on anchors and hosts.

That’s because many shows are originating from different studios than normal — including some remote ones.

Some shows are acknowledging alternative broadcasting locations on air but they aren’t always disclosing where, exactly, they are.

Even if a show is using its normal studio, many networks are cutting back on how much crew is in the studio and therefore eliminating more fancy camerawork such as wide, jib and handheld camera shots.

Many design teams are also working remotely, meaning that graphics are less elaborate — and networks are cutting back on wider shots using video walls or video panels.

That said, TV broadcasting’s love of video wall backgrounds are making it somewhat easier to replicate — at least somewhat — the show’s normal look with just a simple TV screen and a device or connection to feed it.

So called “insert” studios are becoming a more popular option as well for full length shows — these small studios typically include a video screen with a single chair, desk and robotic camera.

Under normal circumstances, insert studios are typically used to produce live remote interviews or reports from commentators and reporters that are limited, by geography, from appearing in person at the studio.

By design, insert studios are meant to be operated with minimal or even no crew in the space with talent, making them ideal for social distancing practices.