EXCLUSIVE: The BBC is about to replace the robotic cameras in its news channel studio after a slew of viral technologies stalled over the past decade.
The British broadcaster has started buying new automated cameras to relaunch its news channel next year.
The BBC is merging its national and international news channels into one, resulting in 70 job cuts.
Sources at the BBC said existing robot cameras were showing their age in Studio E, located at the company’s headquarters in New Broadcasting House.
Clips of cameras going rogue often generate interest on social media as they cut to empty seats, move away from presenters, or zoom in and out while reading the autocue.
The robot cameras were introduced in 2013 to save money. Recording can be pre-programmed, eliminating the need for camera operators.
“They are controlled by automation codes,” says a source. “If one doesn’t remove the wrong automation code or enter the correct automation code in the sequence of execution, the cameras do the right thing, which is actually the unintended thing.”
However, a second person pointed out that the disruptions account for a “small fraction” of airtime and that the 24-hour news channel is largely gremlin-free.
When cameras go rogue
A recent example of a technical mishap was when presenter Victoria Fritz uncovered a roving camera last year. “The nervousness is back,” she laughed, before bending over to address viewers as she reappeared.
The BBC itself even shared clips detailing the technical issues, including one from Martine Croxall from 2014 in which an empty chair greeted viewers until the 9pm headlines.
A similar problem arose last month when host Jane Hill exclaimed “Oh.”
New cameras, same errors
The BBC has not disclosed how much the robotic camera upgrade will cost, but the broadcaster has recently gained experience installing new cameras for news studios.
Studio B, home to BBC1’s flagship 10pm and 6pm bulletins, was refurbished earlier this year with new automated cameras from Norwegian company Electric Friends.
However, the technique was not without problems. Just last month, a camera swung around to show the wrong part of the studio BBC News at ten.
An insider said the cameras were a “terrible waste of money” and some speculated that the studio’s entire overhaul may have cost more than £10 million ($12 million).
“The cameras are designed to recognize individual faces, so they can automatically adjust footage to match the lighting each individual presenter needs. It’s not working,” the source said.
A second source said automation saves money in the long run. The BBC declined to comment.
Author: Jack Kanter
Source: Deadline
Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
