The 2016 presidential primary race for Iowa kept American voters on the edge of their seats February 1st as they watched the results unfold live on MSNBC. Broadcasts throughout the day featured graphics highlighting live poll data, which Reality Check Systems built and NBC Artworks and Block & Tackle designed and animated. Having constructed a graphics package for NBC’s 2014 Midterm elections coverage – which included fullscreens, maps, exit poll graphs and charts, headers, tickers/banners and side panel – our team was able to modify and expand the existing framework to meet NBC’s graphics needs for its Iowa Caucus coverage, as well as for the remaining primary broadcasts.

We began by rebuilding provided design references and then integrated them into MSNBC’s Vizrt engines for real-time rendering and playout. Working closely with the network’s programming department, we then implemented scripted logic for MSNBC’s proprietary playout software to control. With a mix of innovation, graphics production and scripting, we were able to bridge design and operation without compromising quality.

Our builds will continue to play a role in MSNBC’s 2016 Primaries coverage February-June, so be sure to tune in and check out our work.