KWQC Studio Tour

KWQC Field Trip – Studio Tour

On Tuesday, January 24^th, the third and fourth semester AM Electronics students from Hamilton Tech were treated to a field trip hosted by Meteorologist Kevin Phelps, from KWQC TV in Davenport Ia.

Our first stop on the tour was at an equipment room where the portable cameras are stored and charged. Kevin explained that these portable cameras are used out in the field for live broadcasts. It was pointed out that today’s digital news cameras are much better quality while being smaller, lighter and much less expensive than their predecessors.

 Our next stop on the tour was at the weather desk where Meteorologist, Greg Dutra, was working on the days forecast. Greg explained how he uses the various computers to generate the weather forecast. He also showed us how he uses a computer to control the live Skycam.

We continued our tour and arrived at the master control and editing room which was loaded with racks of impressive looking electronic equipment. We were even allowed access to the rear of the equipment cabinets to see an incredible maze of complex wiring.

The last room we entered was the main studio which included the Paula Sands Live set where guest interviews are conducted. We also saw the kitchen set where Paula and her guests demonstrate cooking.  Another area of the studio was the weather desk. This area included a green screen backdrop which allows a weather map to be superimposed behind the meteorologist. We were all allowed creative freedom to pretend to be news reporters and weather forecasters. We found out that it isn’t as easy as it looks.

All of the employees that we encountered at KWQC studios were very friendly and helpful.  A special thank-you to Kevin Phelps for hosting the field trip, and allowing us to “play” in the studio.  Thanks Craig W for reporting!