Local TV

Thats tv owns 9 channels. I think a really simple solution for their news programs would have been to purchase really cost effective trade show pop-up booths for each channel. Of course the backdrop would be simple and relevant to each location.
http://blog.monsterdisplays.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/custom-pop-up-trade-show-counter-display.jpg
I would have get each set 1 flat screen and a couple of stools that can be moved in if they are going to do an interview.
I would put a podium on one side. The flat screen on the other. That way you can get a least 2 shots. And the presenter would be standing the entire time, moving from the podium to the flat screen. (giving the show a little visual interest.)

If they had a consistent look across all 9 channels they could spread the costs. Those pop-up booths are $700-800 a piece (likely cheaper with a volume discount).

Look at this tiny set created in an office space. (I think this was for a power company or something)


And when they get a little more money they can upgrade to something like these very inexpensive panel systems. Cheap to make and versatile and all the pieces are off the shelf so they are consistent. CTV Canada used this same company but really dressed up these stock pieces and the results are quite good for several of their stations.
http://broadcast-1.tvsetdesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/DSCN0734-e1422980264108.jpg
http://broadcast-3.tvsetdesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/custom-broadcast-news-desk-design-ctv-canada.jpg

And since ThatsTv loves pink and fuchsia it probably would wind up looking like this. LOL

That's Manchester gallery.

https://instagram.com/p/3aOGDLJ7jx/

Agreed. It really isn't difficult to pull together a decent non-chroma keyed set these days. Another incredibly cheap solution would be simply to line up three or four plasmas on a dark wall and hang a tightly pulled dark semi-transparent sheet of muslin fabric in front of them (to create a blur). The presenter could then sit in front of it. Poor sets are pretty much unforgiveable!

I agree - a lot of it really just comes down to a lack of design flair and industry expertise rather than a lack of money.

Mustard TV is the only local station I've seen that seems to have the know-how to make a low-budget operation look respectable.

Jelly?

I'm less interested in his tie and more concerned about the clearly branded MacBook. If anyone complains to Ofcom they'll be punished for product placement!

I swear these channels are getting worse. Really hating how everything is branded "manchester" too - I don't mind the cap being dropped if it works, but it clearly doesn't in the designs posted.

Always the same with these channels.

The opening titles are generally ok, and then it cuts to someone looking like a rabbit in the headlines with a poor set, poor sound and monotone delivery.

Think this is basically how the Central News set of 2001 to 2004 was created it looked good when it was first came around then they had an odd looking rebrand and then the ITV corporate look which never really worked well for the original regional sets.

Day 2 and he's opened his laptop and put a jumper on:
http://www.thisisfive.co.uk/thatsmanchester/ttvm_day2_001.jpg

Although they've forgotten to put a cup over the hole in the desk today:
http://www.thisisfive.co.uk/thatsmanchester/ttvm_day2_002.jpg

He looks a bit miserable, and the guest looks a bit uncomfortable stuck on the end of the desk.

Looks like it was filmed in a school.