BBC Newsround Studio

BBC’s Newsround is one of the longest-running news programmes for children, first airing in 1972.

Now a core part of CBBC’s schedule, it covers current affairs, science, sport, and global stories for younger viewers. The show is filmed daily at MediaCityUK in Salford.

In early 2025, the Newsround studio was fully refurbished. The new set featured updated panelling, revised background lighting, and new décor to support the refreshed studio format.

Lighting played a central role in shaping the new look.

An Iconic Studio, Refurbished

Newsround has remained a fixture of BBC children’s programming for over 50 years. Filmed at MediaCityUK, the studio supports weekday bulletins covering national headlines, science stories, entertainment, and global events.

The 2025 refurbishment involved a full strip-out and rebuild of the existing Newsround set. The main presenting areas were redesigned to reflect the show’s refreshed branding, with lighting integrated directly into key structural elements across the studio.

From illuminated wall panels and base trims to seated links, standing segments, and wide-frame screen shots, the lighting system had to perform seamlessly on camera.

This required a full RGBW setup with accurate colour rendering and consistent output across all angles, zones, and transitions.

BBC presenter Shanequa Paris walked viewers through the completed Newsround studio in an online tour following the refurbishment. Click here to watch the video.

Behind The Newsround Lighting

Vectar Sets managed the full lighting integration for the refurbished Newsround studio, specifying Ultra LEDs’ Professional RGBW LED Strip, DMX decoders, and two 4-Channel RGB/RGBW Dial Controllers from the Professional Series.

Lighting was installed across wall panels, base trims, and rear set features, delivering consistent RGBW coverage with a low-profile finish suitable for broadcast framing.

The DMX-compatible setup enabled separate control of white and colour channels, supporting smooth dimming, fast switching, and dynamic transitions throughout the shoot.

Prior to this, Vectar Sets also delivered a temporary studio installation while the Newsround team prepared to move into the new space. Although the layout differed, the build maintained brand consistency using Vectar Boards and RGB LED tape to recreate the show’s signature lighting effects.

Who Are Vectar Sets?

Vectar Sets, led by Chris Gilmour, are specialists in broadcast and live production set builds. Their work spans sport, entertainment, and news studio fabrication.

Explore More Projects

Alongside the Newsround studio installation, Ultra LEDs has supported a wide range of lighting professionals, scenic teams, and brands across other recent projects, including:

Ultra LEDs support film and television professionals with advanced LED lighting solutions designed to meet the rigorous demands of on-set production, studio environments and location work.

Our comprehensive range of high-specification products - including LED strip lights, pixel-controlled LED systems, LED profiles, and specialist LED drivers are engineered to deliver precise brightness control, seamless dimming and reliable performance under critical filming conditions.

With extensive expertise in colour rendering, flicker-free operation and dynamic lighting effects, we enable lighting designers, gaffers and set electricians to create visually compelling scenes with full creative control.

Our technical team works closely with production crews to specify and supply tailored solutions, ensuring consistent results whether for key lighting, practical effects, or architectural integration.

We understand the importance of on-time delivery and on-site technical support, ensuring minimal disruption to tight shooting schedules. By combining our depth of experience with robust product engineering, we help film and TV professionals achieve outstanding visual outcomes with confidence.

Get in touch with Ultra LEDs today

Supplying everything from COB tape to RGBW drivers and control systems, Ultra LEDs supports complex installs across retail, broadcast, and exhibition environments. Explore more projects or get in touch to specify yours.