MSNBC takes the wraps off (most of) election night set…
Tonight on the special edition of Hardball, the first half hour of which was simulcast for NBC O&O’s, MSNBC took the wraps off of a large part of their election night set. Under construction since last Thursday, the set really maximizes the huge studio MSNBC has at its disposal (something I’ve harped on MSNBC for not doing enough of in the past). MSNBC has thrown down the gauntlet and judging by what I saw this gauntlet was aimed squarely at CNN…
The Hardball program was hosted from the area of the studio that was used heavily during the Afghanistan/Iraq wars. Matthews was joined by Norah O’Donnell, Hotline’s Chuck Todd, MSNBC analyst Pat Buchannan, and a bevy of other analysts.
Analyst Craig Crawford was over in another part of the studio at a desk in front of a large screen.
UPDATE: Upon further review, it appears it’s actually the really big screen and not some other screen. Creative camera blocking setup though…
Several reports were given at the top of the hour including one from Chris Jansing reporting live from Connecticut.
But the really really big screen was revealed later on.
It’s huge. At least twenty feet tall.
NBC’s Mark Potter was shown reporting on the big screen.
But MSNBC didn’t reveal its whole hand this evening. There are other parts of the studio which haven’t been shown yet. I’m not going to spoil it so you’ll just have to tune in Tuesday and see for yourself.
I love it! It looks great. MSNBC was awesome in 2000, 2002, and 2004, and so far are awesome this time around.
Comment by Brent — November 5, 2006 @ 9:23 pm
Those pictures are a lot better than the uber-busy newsroom set that MSNBC uses a lot during their coverage. They’re certinaly getting there, in terms of set design. They’re getting there.
Comment by Charles — November 5, 2006 @ 9:41 pm
It does look like CNN’s new room. Colors different too. Who’s idea? Abrams?
Comment by erljr — November 6, 2006 @ 12:41 am
Yeah it sure does…even the shaping of the desk. Interesting.
Comment by Anonymous — November 6, 2006 @ 8:36 am
I don’t get it. While the set is very nice, is that enough for people to actually turn to a network and watch? I might flip through and pause for a second if the set caught my attention, but that’s it.
Also, if their set is such a big deal, why don’t they stay there instead of moving to the NBC studios? You’ve stated on their site that the move is forthcoming.
Comment by Missy — November 6, 2006 @ 9:53 am
It does look good doesn’t it.
They are moving to NBC HQ in order to consolidate and merge resources and ultimately save money, Missy.
Comment by Mr A — November 6, 2006 @ 10:09 am
Mr. A., yes, of course you’re right about that. I just mean that I see lots of stories, here and elsewhere, written about the anchor desks and sets of these programs. But I just question whether, after the first few seconds, they really matter to the viewer.
Comment by Missy — November 6, 2006 @ 12:31 pm
I think you explained it best yourself Missy when you said “I might flip through and pause for a second if the set caught my attention.” That’s the goal, really. If they get you for that moment, they hope that the actual coverage makes you stay.
Comment by Coreyback — November 6, 2006 @ 1:21 pm
Please don’t let Rita Cosby have a seat at the table.
If that happened, they could be coming live from the moon, and no one would watch.
Comment by cella — November 6, 2006 @ 4:27 pm
Why aren’t they using Monica Crowely? Everyone be on the lookup for Chrissy’s obnoxious giddy smile in the beginning then when the Dems appear to lose look at that smile turn into a sad puppy dog frown with tears almost coming out. It happened in 2004 lol.
Comment by Lurker — November 6, 2006 @ 4:36 pm