Highlights for James Ford

• WRAL First HD Newscast at State Fair

  WRAL-TV led the nation in the development of High Definition broadcasting. On October 13, 2000 WRAL made history by broadcasting the entire 5:00 PM newscast LIVE in HD from the State Fair. The historic newscast was broadcast from a special stage at the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh. The broadcast came just days after WRAL announced it was purchasing equipment from Panasonic to allow the station to gather all of its news stories in the 1080i format. WRAL was the first in the country to convert its entire news operation into HD. This video documents the historic moment from a behind-the-scenes perspective.

  In 1996, WRAL was the first station in the nation to start broadcasting in HD even though most viewers did not have an HD television set.

• First LIVE HD Newscast from State Fair October 13 2000 (Short Version)

  This is a short version showing behind the scenes activity of the first HD Newscast by WRAL, the leader in HD broadcasting. On October 13, 2000 WRAL made history by broadcasting the entire 5:00 PM newscast LIVE in HD from the State Fair. The historic newscast was broadcast from a special stage at the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh. The broadcast came just days after WRAL announced it was purchasing equipment from Panasonic to allow the station to gather all of its news stories in the 1080i format. WRAL was the first in the country to convert its entire news operation into HD. This video documents the historic moment from a behind-the-scenes perspective.

  In 1996, WRAL was the first station in the nation to start broadcasting in HD even though most viewers did not have an HD television set.

  The complete 30 minute HD broadcast is available for viewing on this website.

• Kelly’s Story

  “Kelly’s Story: Weighing the Options” takes a unique look at the issue of self-image and healthy weight in teens and children.
  The program begins with Kelly’s Story, a drama using local actors in which an overweight teenage girl struggles with body image and self-worth both at home and school. Scenarios from the drama then springboard a discussion for panelists and a studio audience moderated by WRAL News Anchor Pam Saulsby and anchor/reporter Kelcey Carlson. Executive Producer – Phyllis Parish Howard, Director – James Ford, Post Production – Steve Elizondo.
  Aired September 7, 2004

• Camera operators during WRAL-TV news

  Angelo Sanders and James Ford operate studio cameras