WPXI studios set to premiere on 10/6; new On-Q

It looks as though it’s finally going to happen! WPXI is set to start broadcasting from its new Summer Hill studios on 10/6 following a couple of delays. According to the Post-Gazette, the new set has a window behind the anchors which overlooks the newsroom. One component of the old 49,000 sq. ft. studios has been integrated into the new 69,000 sq. ft. facility. The wooden studio doors from Television Hill (AKA – Rising Main Avenue) are now the studio doors at Evergreen Road.

Newsroom, engineering, local programming, creative services and marketing are all grouped together on the first floor. The hope will be to integrate certain news stories into big-time local specials. Amenities include a 6000 gallon diesel generator for 72 hours worth of power to the station, a climate-controlled garage for station vehicles, a kitchen and patio for summer picnics and a community room.

Meanwhile, WPXI is working on another special for their 50th anniversary. This time it will focus on 50 years of news coverage. The one which recently aired (and will air a few more times) focused on the entertainment WPXI (nee WIIC) has provided for Pittsburgh. No date has been set for the second special.

WQED’s On-Q will start its new season this week – and in HD – and with a new set. Michael Moricz (former music director for Mister Rogers Neighborhood) has composed some new music for the program in addition to the new music for WQED’s imaging. Off-Q will also begin a new season Friday night with new panelist John McIntire who takes Fred Honsberger’s seat.

KDKA-TV welcomes its new morning meteorologist Valerie Abati who hails from Conneaut Lake PA and is a Penn State grad.