BNUG GENERAL MEETING

John Mehrtens, NECN's manager of information systems & technology, hosted a BNUG visit to NECN's facilies in Newton, MA

NECN's internal data network may not be as glamorous as all the video production and editing systems, but it is essential to keeping the broadcast operations running smoothly.

Information processing and data networking is essential to NECN's operations. The tape library is indexed in a networked database. New video is being stored digitally so that production can retrieve archival footage easily when assembling stories for broadcast.

Security and reliability are major concerns. A completely separate WiFi network is available to visitors so that NECN can keep unsecure laptops isolated from the wired LAN.

NECN maintains a number of WAN connections. Some provide a two-way channel for moving broadcast content between NECN and its affiliates.

BNUG members received a detailed pre-tour briefing about the information systems which are used to support NECN broadcast operations.

Video editing is completely digital. This room is devoted to the broadcast weather reports.

BNUG president Mark Kushinsky with members gathered in the NECN reception area.

BNUG members mill around in the NECN newsroom prior to a NECN nightly news broadcast.