Window on Washington

Cable World, Dec 18, 2000

Its no secret Washingtonians often feel a sense of inferiority when compared to New Yorkers, but now the nation's capital finally has a cable equivalent to the public spectacle that is NBC's Today show.

Washington Mayor Anthony Williams joined top National Geographic executives to unveil the National Geographic Channel's new all-digital television studio in downtown D.C. The spacious studio has four sets and glass walls on three sides, allowing tourists and District residents to view the proceedings and say hello to their relatives through handmade placards.

"Floor to ceiling glass encases the street-level set, inviting the general public to interact with our productions and helping make the studio a new landmark destination in the Nation's capital," National Geographic Channel president Laureen Ong told a gathering of shivering reporters and PR representatives, who were also treated to incessant drumming from a DC-based troupe of Nepalese dancers.

Furthering the inevitable comparisons to NBC's morning show, the studio will be home to a daily news program, National Geographic Today, which will broadcast live from the studio.