After weeks of preparing for a brand-new set, COX Media’s CBS-FOX duopoly station, WJAX/WFOX TV in Jacksonville, knew they had a decision to make. With viewers relying on them to deliver days of around the clock hurricane coverage, they decided to accelerate the schedule and implement the new technology contained in their new scenic storytelling environment designed by Devlin Design Group.

According to Bob Longo, News Director at WJAX/WFOX, “We launched early because we felt the set had so many areas where we could showcase video and talent. 27 Monitors behind the set, two touch screens, two other large multi-screen areas. It enabled us to tell a more visual story, and a more compelling story.”

The Jacksonville area is accustomed to extreme weather, so an impressive weather center designed for extensive coverage is prominent in the new design. The team also needed a layout to accommodate multiple meteorologists with immediate access to technology, and different visual areas to better explain the threat to their audience. Part of the design includes a room where viewers can witness the behind the scenes action of breaking weather.

“Weather is a huge audience driver, both for on-air and digital platforms” said Craig Davenport, Creative Services Director, WJAX/WFOX TV. “The design team at Devlin Design Group understood that and created a weather center that gives us the ability to better showcase how we track severe weather in North Florida.”

The versatile and limitless storytelling areas around the set keep the WJAX team energized. A 9-foot by 3-foot video array is a compelling backdrop for the main desk as well as showcasing “the big story.” A 3’x3’ array of 46” monitors anchor the impressive weather center along with a rolling 90” kiosk. The weather room contains five 49” monitors. An 80” touch screen plus another 80” monitor for breaking news and weather allow for interactive and more intimate storytelling. A 2’x4’ array for stand ups complete the impressive look.

It was also important to the WJAX group to reflect their coastal Florida surroundings. An abstract wave pattern across the RGB LED color-changing, back-lit set pieces adds another layer of flexibility to the design. A blue epoxy floor mimics calm waters and beautifully reflects the scenic storytelling environment.

WJAX used Brightline Evolutionary Lighting Systems to illuminate the news team and the stunning design.

“As a Floridian impacted by Irma, I understand the importance to the community, and appreciate the role of local news and weather coverage during these extreme events. I am thrilled the collaboration between the staff at WJAX and Team DDG resulted in a design that met and exceeded their needs in getting valuable information out to the Jacksonville community during this historic storm.”

—Diane ‘DiFi’ Fiolek, Creative Services Director, Devlin Design Group

For more information, contact Diane ‘DiFi’ Fiolek.  248.875.9565   difi@ddgtvstaging.wpengine.com