WFMZ-TV Upgrades Operations with Imagine Communications’ Automation and Graphics Solutions
WFMZ-TV, an independent television station in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is enhancing its broadcast capabilities with the adoption of Imagine Communications’ advanced systems. Owned by Maranatha Broadcasting Co., WFMZ-TV not only broadcasts local news but also operates as the MeTV affiliate WDPN-TV in Philadelphia, offering over 10 hours of local news daily and managing 12 total subchannels.
As the demands for more visually appealing sponsorship graphics increased, WFMZ-TV recognized the limitations of its existing automation system. The complexity of managing playout and graphics across multiple facilities and monitored channels began to hinder efficiency. Seeking a cohesive solution from a single vendor, the station turned to Imagine Communications, which provided an integrated platform featuring ADC automation and Versio Graphics solutions.
The new system was deployed across three sites, including the main studios in Allentown and two disaster recovery locations. The streamlined workflow aligned seamlessly with the station’s existing content creation methods, significantly enhancing production capabilities. A notable feature of the Imagine solution is its integration with Adobe After Effects, allowing for greater creative expression in graphics and on-screen elements.
Not only did WFMZ-TV move away from the manual process of segmenting syndicated content—historically requiring slow, hand-operated procedures—but it also embraced Imagine’s Motion feature. This feature uses BXF metadata from syndicators to automatically segment programs. The results have been immediate, with reingestion and resegmentation of content now achievable in minutes, vastly improving both reliability and efficiency.
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Versio Graphics has allowed WFMZ-TV to engage viewers more dynamically by incorporating an extensive array of on-screen graphics—ranging from L-bars to sponsored snipes across various channels. Monthly campaigns with local clients now include themed educational segments, such as rotating facts for Hispanic Heritage Month, which keeps content consistently fresh for viewers.
The system’s adaptability was particularly evident when the Reading newsroom celebrated the 30th anniversary of its “Berks Edition” newscast. Using Versio Graphics, the station created an animated on-screen bug that switched branding automatically, recognizing when the anniversary broadcast was live, without necessitating any reprogramming.
WFMZ-TV commended the efficiency of its weather channel, which features nearly 300 graphics based on a single Adobe After Effects template—saving significant production time and maintaining design consistency. The transition to Imagine’s system facilitated an overhaul of this channel, replacing a complex system with an integrated solution that allowed for direct video playback within the graphics engine.
Feedback from viewers has been overwhelmingly positive since the implementation of Imagine’s systems, and WFMZ-TV has highlighted the exceptional support received from the team at Imagine Communications. Their responsiveness during troubleshooting and problem-solving has been invaluable, even during late-night calls.
As WFMZ-TV gears up to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026, it is committed to continued innovation and growth. With the infrastructure provided by Versio Graphics and ADC automation, the station feels well-equipped to expand its offerings and maintain the delivery of high-quality local content, all while navigating the future of broadcasting. More information about these advancements is available through Imagine Communications.
