As part of a comprehensive modernization project, Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) is working on the renewal of its foreign studios in Brussels, Nairobi, New York, Paris, Warsaw and Washington. Under the leadership of Johannes Günther and Thomas Anderhub, the project aims to bring the studios up to the latest technical standards and modernize the production infrastructure.

Project goals and implementation

The main aim of the project is to create cross-media production complexes from the previously separate units for television, radio and internet. The infrastructure of the studios will be upgraded to UHD (Ultra High Definition) technology. These adjustments will make it possible to produce and manage content for different media platforms more efficiently.

Current project status

Several important milestones have already been reached since the start in June 2022. The studios in Paris, Brussels, Nairobi and Warsaw have been successfully renovated and are now back in operation. The studio in New York is currently in trial operation, while work on the studio in Washington is still pending.

Technological innovations and challenges

A number of new technologies are being used to modernize the studios. These include the KSC CORE Broadcast Controller System and the KSC SinAlarm Monitoring System, as well as virtual panels and various modern audio mixing consoles and video routers.

A particular challenge in this project is the renewal of the studios during ongoing operations. This required precise planning and close coordination with all those involved in order not to interrupt broadcasting operations. The logistical requirements and integration into existing systems also presented the project team with complex tasks.

Outlook

With the gradual modernization of the studios, WDR will expand its production capacities and be equipped for the future requirements of broadcast production. The switch to UHD and the integration of television, radio and internet content into a single production environment are important steps towards meeting the current and future requirements of the media landscape.