POP-UP GRAPHICS, PART TWO

Sometimes, an idea takes root. NewsLab's experiment with what we called "pop-up graphics" has caught on. Our goal was to add substance to nat sound stories by using short info-graphics, which popped up on screen over the video but did not conflict with audio information. Now, that idea has been put into practice.

When KBCI-TV in Boise, Idaho, expanded its news offerings in 2001 by adding a 6:30 pm newscast, news director Scott Picken was looking for ways of making the new program different. The result was"Pop-Up Idaho," which became a regular weekly feature.

Take a look at one of the first "pop-up" pieces the station produced: It's a story about the state capitol building in Boise. "These are feature stories for the moment," says Picken, "but I eventually want to expand it to more substantive stories." So stay tuned. We hope to be able to share more examples as time goes on. And if you try anything along these lines at your station, we'd be delighted if you'd let us know.