FARGO - Fox News here unveiled its new look Monday night.
For the first time since KVRR launched its news program in 2000, the studio design was changed.
"This set is a completely different look," Chief Meteorologist Rob Kupec said.
Last week, 9 p.m. anchors TJ Nelson and Candace Thornberg teased to the unveiling as they delivered the news standing in front of a makeshift set while construction crews worked on the permanent studio behind the scenes.
Kupec said construction of the new set started Sept. 21 after the 9 p.m. broadcast. By the end of that weekend, the older set was completely removed from the studio at 4015 9th Ave. S. and crews began constructing the new "state of the art" set, Kupec said.
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"The studio was completely empty. All the lights, everything was out of here," Kupec said.
Kupec said Monday that viewers will definitely notice the change.
Anchors will continue to deliver the news from behind a desk, but a new large screen will project more, higher quality images, Kupec said. He likened the screen to those seen on sports networks.
The anchors will also be able to adjust the all-new LED lighting to better reflect their appearance.
In the weather department, Kupec's office is located in the studio. However, the new studio is spacious enough for the needed equipment.
"So I basically get a new office," Kupec said. "The old weather center was designed for three computers. Now we have six computers. So it was a little cramped in the center."
The change is not just to freshen up the look. The new studio is designed for high-definition broadcasts, which Kupec said is in the station's "near future."
KVRR would be the last local newscast to broadcast in high definition. WDAY, which like The Forum is owned by Forum Communications Co., already airs in high definition, as does KVLY and KXJB.
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The old KVRR set will be reconstructed and used by students in Oakes, N.D.
Readers can reach Forum reporter
Wendy Reuer at (701) 241-5530
