— PROJECT NAME
PBS News Hour Show Package
— ROLE
Branding
Motion Graphics
— DATE
2023
— COMPANY
Personal Project
PBS NewsHour serves as the flagship daily, breaking, and special news producer for PBS. Co-anchored by Amna Nawaz and Geoff Bennett, the program delivers the latest news, global field reports, live interviews, and in-depth analysis. For nearly 50 years, millions have relied on PBS NewsHour as public broadcasting’s marquee nightly news program, celebrated for its solid, reliable reporting and objective journalism.
In this personal project, I analyzed the existing motion graphics for PBS NewsHour with the goal of modernizing its broadcast package while honoring its decades-long legacy. My focus was on reimagining key elements, including the title sequence, lower thirds, and advertising materials, to create a cohesive news package that aligns with the fast-paced, authoritative nature of broadcast journalism. By redesigning typography and refining visual compositions, I crafted a motion brand identity that reflects the program’s reputation for fact-driven, nonpartisan reporting and its trusted place in the evolving world of televised news.
Brand Audit and Analysis
To start, I conducted a thorough analysis of PBS NewsHour’s existing broadcast package, identifying several areas for improvement. The lower thirds, for instance, extended far beyond the text, creating unnecessary visual clutter that detracted from the overall professionalism of the design. The typography also felt dated, lacking the modern, clean aesthetic that defines today’s competitive news packages.
Overall, the branding leaned heavily on tradition but lacked a distinct visual personality to resonate with contemporary audiences. This analysis served as the foundation for the redesign, guiding my efforts to modernize the graphics while maintaining PBS NewsHour’s trusted reputation and commitment to journalistic integrity.
Development
Title Sequence
I turned my attention to the title sequence next, focusing on typography as the centerpiece of the design. Inspired by the ideals of the printing press, I aimed to evoke a sense of journalistic heritage while modernizing the visual identity. A neutral, balanced color palette of blues and reds was chosen to underscore PBS NewsHour’s commitment to nonpartisanship, reinforcing its reputation for objective reporting.
To bring the sequence to life, I incorporated subtle typewriting animations, adding a tactile, handcrafted feel that reflects the program’s dedication to fact-driven journalism. The result is a clean, contemporary opening that blends tradition with innovation, setting the tone for PBS NewsHour’s trusted and timeless reporting.
Bump Out
The bump out serves as a transitional element, moving seamlessly between segments or into and out of commercial breaks. My focus was on simplicity and cohesion, ensuring the design complemented the title sequence while maintaining its own distinct identity.
I used a balanced palette of blues and reds to reinforce PBS NewsHour’s nonpartisan messaging, with subtle motion elements that integrate smoothly into the broader broadcast package. This clean, polished design enhances the continuity and professionalism of the program’s visuals.
Lower Thirds
To modernize the lower thirds, I focused on improving readability and visual balance while addressing key design issues in the original version. The previous design extended far beyond the text, creating unnecessary visual clutter. My redesign streamlined these elements, ensuring they were proportional and integrated seamlessly into the broadcast package.
The updated lower thirds feature clean typography and a balanced layout, emphasizing clarity and accessibility. A slider on this page allows you to compare the original design with my version, showcasing the evolution from a dated layout to a modern alternative that aligns with PBS NewsHour’s professional tone.
Intruder
The intruder graphic is an animated insert created to advertise PBS NewsHour during other PBS programming. It captures attention without distracting from the primary content of the show it appears on.
Using PBS NewsHour’s typography and balanced color palette, the animation maintains consistency with the broadcast package while delivering a clear promotional message. Subtle motion elements ensure the graphic stands out just enough to promote the program effectively, reinforcing PBS NewsHour’s presence across the network.
Out of Home Advertising
To expand the refreshed visual identity beyond the broadcast package, I designed an out-of-home poster to promote PBS NewsHour. The poster’s bold typography and balanced color palette align with the updated branding, ensuring consistency across different applications.
This mock-up demonstrates how the modernized design can translate to promotional materials, reinforcing PBS NewsHour’s professional and nonpartisan image while reaching audiences outside the traditional broadcast setting.
Conclusions
This project allowed me to explore the complexities of creating a cohesive broadcast package for a trusted institution like PBS NewsHour. By emphasizing typography, balanced compositions, and subtle motion, I aimed to modernize the program’s visuals while preserving its reputation for nonpartisan, fact-driven journalism. Each element—from the title sequence to the out-of-home poster—was carefully designed to reflect the show’s enduring legacy and its relevance in today’s media landscape.
This case study not only highlights my technical and conceptual skills but also demonstrates my ability to create thoughtful, purpose-driven design solutions for broadcast media.
Show footage and photography is courtesy of PBS and PBS NewsHour.