BBC World News from New Broadcasting House

In tonight's 1am broadcast the order was reversed for the order of the studios, London first then Singapore, midnight had it in the usual order. It shows that the order is flexible and has been catered for.

All times are London time.

It seems they're doing less dual-screen interactions these days between London and Singapore. Somehow it feels very detached to see London and Singapore separately, and it would appear that each presenter presents a rather lengthy set of reports before the other presenter takes over. There is also less small talk between Singapore and London, as some would have said in the previous format it encouraged lots of "That's right, Babita" from Rico for instance. I also kind of missed the old format's closing where both presenters appear side by side and smile until the cameras pan away and weather report commences. It was a very satisfying closing.

The current format seems to work quite well for Babita and Sharajiyt, the split screen was great for them but works here too. With Babita and Rico, doesn't work quite as well I have to say! I do like the split screen a lot and it's a shame there isn't anything like this now.

I think split screen encourages better two-way conversations and we can appreciate both presenters' expressions at the same time. The old format with the exception of the dreaded satellite delays, was quite decent/generous at showing the interactions between both presenters. The new format handles interactions more in a way of having each presenter talking in fullscreen followed by the other, but not simultaneously/side-by-side. It is a bit more 'walkie-talkie-ish' ie. taking turns to talk.

Occasionally the animated split screen is used. The newer animated split screen has a smaller screen size of each presenter although they seem to improve this by zooming in on the actively talking presenter. In any case, it feels a bit too computerized to my liking.

Does anyone think the large remote Rico is holding is a little bit distracting? I sometimes tend to think Rico tries to hide the remote behind the papers he is holding.

Agreed. I think Rico and Babita work better that way and Sharanjiyt and Babita work either way.

Yes, it is a bit bulky. Couldn't someone do it by sitting behind the desk for Rico?

I think it has previously been pointed out that they run on a very tight staffing level.

BBC want to expand the World Service, including a possible BBC Russian TV channel. http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/sep/05/bbc-plans-tv-and-radio-services-for-russia-and-north-korea. I imagine that that would spread the BBC's studios at NBH pretty thinly.

Unless they can find a way of rationalising the studios used by BBC Arabic and BBC Persian, and/or upgrade the MPAs which already provide content for the less-continuous TV language services.

I imagine it will also mean an increased usage of Studio B and D by the World Service which are occasionally used by BBC Arabic and BBC Persian

"The BBC will offer to match any increase in public funding for the World Service if it can be allowed to more heavily-commercialise its Global News operation outside the UK."
Just hoping it doesn't turn completely into CNN 2.0. People tend to watch the BBC and AJE because it's not CNN.

MPA? Multi Purpose Area?

I'm curious does NBH have insert studios - small rooms with a desk, one or two cameras and a large monitor behind the desk? For simple one headed programs the language services could be handled that way.

What you've asked is exactly what the MPA studio is— a versatile newsroom space for World Service:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8466/8121349273_e714b8d9eb_o.jpg

Image taken from here: http://tvforum.uk/tvhome/broadcasting-house-salford-quays-31415/page-145