ITN
Streamlining ITN’s News Production with SKAARHOJ’s universal control
About ITN
ITN, or Independent Television News, is a major player in the British broadcasting industry since 1955, known for (amongst other major productions) producing ITV’s National and Regional London News. Operating out of their London headquarters, ITN runs four studios dedicated to producing high-quality news content. Studio 3, is where SKAARHOJ’s advanced control solutions have been implemented to enhance the efficiency and flexibility of ITN’s news production workflow.
ITN and Their Challenges
At ITN, the need for innovation is constant. As the production powerhouse behind some of the most watched news channels in the country, ITN faces daily challenges that demand quick thinking, precision, and adaptability. Central to their operations are the control rooms, where every second counts, and the ability to manage multiple systems efficiently can make the difference between a seamless broadcast and an on-air mishap. ITN’s control rooms have traditionally relied on a robust setup of first party equipment that has long served as the cornerstone of their production capabilities. These systems, while highly functional and reliable, often involve extensive wiring and cabling, and integrating various technologies can sometimes present challenges. In such a setup, making changes or controlling multiple devices simultaneously can be complex, which is why ITN sought a more streamlined and flexible approach for Studio 3, a space designed to complement their existing infrastructure while offering enhanced agility for live news production.
Bringing a Simple and Flexible Solution
Seeking a solution to these inefficiencies, ITN turned to SKAARHOJ, a leader in control interface solutions. When designing a control room for their ITV Newsroom Studio They opted for the Mega Panel and PTZ View products, tools designed to bring simplicity and flexibility to complex broadcast environments.
The 2 M/E Mega Panel, built with multiple MK48 panels, T-blocks, a Wave Board and a PTZ View controller became the heart of ITN’s control room. This streamlined setup allowed technical directors and production specialists to manage sound, lighting, and camera operations from a single, intuitive interface. No longer constrained by the limitations of their siloed systems, the ITN team found they could now switch between functions with unprecedented speed and ease. This agility has been particularly beneficial in live broadcast
scenarios, where the ability to react quickly is crucial. The control room is designed to accommodate a 3-person team comprised of the Producer, the Technical Director and the Production Specialist during day-time shows.
However during some late night shows the system can be operated by just one person - the Production Specialist, thanks to the inclusion of the Wave Board and the PTZ View, the same person can control the vision mixing, PTZ cameras, scripting and audio.
One of the standout features of the new setup has been the PTZ View panels, which ITN uses to control their Sony FR7 cameras. The PTZ View panels, equipped with Hall-effect joysticks for smooth and precise camera movements, have become essential tools for ITN’s operators. The ability to adjust focus and manouver cameras intuitively has elevated the quality of their broadcasts, ensuring that every shot meets the high standards viewers expect.
A changing environment
The integration of SKAARHOJ’s products into ITN’s control rooms has also brought a new level of flexibility to their operations. Thanks to SKAARHOJ’s support for open APIs, ITN can easily incorporate new devices and functionalities without the need for extensive GPIO rewiring or complex programming. This capability has allowed them to stay nimble and responsive, adapting quickly to the evolving demands of live news production.
A prime example is the panel-based control of cloud-based Tinkerlist Cuez software, which is seamlessly interfaced through the built-in Blue Pill Reactor software via the HTTP protocol. Beyond its role as a universal controller, SKAARHOJ’s Mega Panel significantly enhances the possibilities of existing platforms like Tricaster. ITN leverages SKAARHOJ’s powerful ecosystem to implement complex, multibehavior triggers that streamline repetitive tasks. For instance, operators can automate the process of changing keyers to correspond with the correct background being selected, a task that traditionally would have required multiple steps. This ability to customize and extend the functionality of their existing tools has made the Mega Panel an indispensable part of ITN’s production workflow, enabling greater efficiency and precision in their
broadcasts.
“What we love about Skaarhoj panels, aside from the incredible NKK buttons in the M/E rows is that we have a Tricaster now, but we may as well just go and buy a Kairos, Sony or other vision mixer, install it in our studio and after setting it up none of the operators would even realise that anything has changed”
A Partnership that Counts
For ITN, the adoption of SKAARHOJ’s Mega Panel has not just streamlined their workflow—it has fundamentally enhanced their ability to deliver top-tier news content. The improved efficiency, flexibility, and control have enabled ITN to maintain their reputation for excellence, even as they navigate the pressures of modern broadcasting and the transition to online and streaming content. As they continue to innovate, ITN’s partnership with SKAARHOJ stands as a testament to the power of the right technology to transform the way news is produced.