CBS Sports has unveiled a redesigned Studio 43 at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York, just in time for the 2024 NFL season. The revamped studio will be the home of “The NFL Today,” as well as CBS’s college football and March Madness coverage. This upgrade not only reflects CBS Sports’ evolving identity but also pays tribute to Sean McManus, a longtime CBS executive, as the studio has been renamed in his honor.
Honoring Legacy While Embracing Change
“This redesign is about more than just aesthetics,” explained Harold Bryant, executive producer and executive vice president of CBS Sports.
“It’s a proud moment for us to honor someone who has been essential to the CBS family for the past 27 years. The redesign reflects the evolution of our shows and positions us for the future.”
The redesign also coincides with changes to “The NFL Today” talent lineup. Matt Ryan joins James Brown, Nate Burleson, Bill Cowher, and J.J. Watt, creating a new dynamic for the broadcast.
A Contemporary Yet Inviting Design
The goal of the redesign was to modernize the studio without losing the warm, inviting feel viewers expect on Sunday mornings. Bob Matina, the show’s director, emphasized that the new layout offers greater flexibility for talent movement and camera setups.
“We’ve got five people at the desk, plus Jonathan Jones contributing to the show, so it’s important to have a layout that allows seamless transitions between segments.”
The team also wanted to move away from the previous “man cave” aesthetic, opting for clean lines and open layouts that better align with the CBS Sports brand.
“We didn’t want something cold and clinical. We were looking for a modern, yet comfortable look,” added JP LoMonaco, VP of on-air graphics and design.
Technological Upgrades and Advanced Visuals
A significant part of the redesign involved enhancing the studio’s technology and production capabilities. Key upgrades include:
– LED screens with 1.8mm pixel pitch from Planar, including a large vertical display behind the anchor desk.
– A curved 1.9mm Planar display integrated into the main desk, handled by Video Visions.
– Ross Video XPression Tessera drives all screens for precise pixel-level control and reduced scaling issues.
– Remotely controlled LED lighting using the ETC Eos Apex system, replacing more than 300 conventional lights and improving both energy efficiency and creative flexibility.
“Now we can reposition lights remotely, which not only improves efficiency but also supports sustainability goals,” explained Greg Coppa, VP of studio engineering and technology.
Versatility for Multi-Purpose Programming
The redesigned studio isn’t just for NFL coverage. Its modular design allows for easy reconfiguration for college basketball, football, and other programming needs. Removing the desk entirely transforms the space into an open sound stage for special productions.
“We built in flexibility so each show has a unique feel,” said LoMonaco. “NFL season will look different from March Madness or college football.”
Looking to the Future
CBS Sports partnered with Drive Studio and Showman Fabricators for the redesign. The in-house team handled lighting design, ensuring the project reflected CBS’s commitment to sustainability and technological innovation.
The previous set, which debuted in 2015, had roots in a design from 2006, making this the most significant upgrade in nearly two decades.
“This space now allows us to operate without limitations. The technology, layout, and flexibility we’ve built in will support us well into the future,” added Matina.
With its revamped Studio 43, CBS Sports has created a space that merges tradition with technology. Honoring Sean McManus while embracing modern design, the new studio offers state-of-the-art capabilities to elevate “The NFL Today” and beyond. This renovation ensures CBS Sports is ready for multi-platform coverage of everything from NFL games to March Madness, positioning the network for continued success.
