LIN's Va. Duop Is First in Market with HD

LIN Television's NBC-Fox duopoly in Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport News, Va., is making the move to HD news today, becoming the first stations in the market to do so.

WAVY, the NBC affiliate, gave viewers in DMA 42 their first dose of HD news at noon. That will be followed up by regularly scheduled newscasts at 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.

WVBT, the Fox affiliate, will join in with its 10 p.m. newscast.

"All of us at WAVY and FOX43 are proud to bring the high definition experience to Hampton Roads," said General Manager Doug Davis.

Belo's WVEC, the market's ABC affiliate, began broadcasting news with a 16x9 aspect ratio in January, but it is not in HD.

"No specific date has been set for HD," said WVEC Director of Engineering John Dolive.

WAVY and WBVT join 105 stations in 56 other markets that broadcast in HD or 16 x 9 SD, according to Television Broadcast.

WAVY says HD news builds on a history of market firsts that includes the first with color and the first with a news helicopter.

WAVY worked with FX Group to design a flexible news set for both WAVY and WVBT. The set, covering more than 2,100 square feet of studio space, had a complete floor renovation.

The set features a new main anchor desk, Super Doppler 10 Weather Center, the 10 Timesaver Traffic area, an elaborate interview set and 30 displays, including two 71-inch DLP sets.

"We are excited to deliver our viewers excellent news and weather content in dynamic color and clarity," said News Director Kathy Hostetter. "Our advancement into HD is just one more way we are ‘On Your Side' in the community."