
WRAL-TV's Brian Shrader shows off the new traffic system on WRAL's Morning News. (Photo courtesy of WRAL-TV's Elizabeth Gardner)
WRAL-TV Anchor Reporter Brian Shrader recently unveiled a new traffic system on WRALs Morning News, with the help of some behind the scenes gurus.
We launched successfully November 30, 2021, with the invaluable help of Shan Zhong, who helped build new graphics, and engineer Richard Danchi, who made sure all the cables were plugged into the right places! explained Shrader.
The WRAL team is now using traffic software from Baron Services, which is the provider for the stations weather software. WRAL-TV Studio Broadcast Engineer Richard Danchi coordinated with Baron on the traffic data service and NCDOT on the traffic camera video sources for the new traffic system. He installed the new traffic computer hardware and worked with Baron on software installation.
One of the more challenging tasks was to climb up a tall ladder in studio A and install a new receiver for the handheld clicker, explained Danchi. The clicker is a handheld remote control used by Brian to advance the traffic graphics during his presentation on the air.
WRAL-TV Visual Design Director Shan Zhong is responsible for the graphics.
I built our traffic graphics when we did graphics redesign back in 2017, said Zhong. At that time, we were using WSI system. With switching from WSI to Baron system this year, based on our current traffic graphics, I created new graphics elements (Banners, Live bug, Background, Live cameras templates, Drive time templates, highway shields, traffic icons, etc.).
For the new WRAL Traffic System, the team built out templates for all of our Live cameras on major interstates and highways in our area. (Screen capture courtesy of WRAL-TVs Shan Zhong)
He worked with the Baron team to integrate the new graphics elements and templates to the Baron traffic system.
It was a short deadline project, Brian, [WRAL-TV Weather Executive Producer] Aimee Wilmoth, and I worked closely with the Baron team to make sure we launch the system on time, said Zhong.
Shrader is excited about the new and improved system and graphics he can now use to keep WRAL viewers informed about the latest traffic updates.
The biggest change viewers will notice is our new traffic map! said Shrader. We tweaked the colors on the background and the traffic flow data to make it easier to see.
He continued, The system gives us some other new features the best of which is automatic calculation of delays along major road segments. Instead of saying that it will take you 15 minutes to drive along 40 West from NC-42 to the Beltline, our new system tells you that youll encounter a 6-minute delay. I think thats more useful information for the viewer who needs to know how much earlier they need to leave the house to get through those delays. We do the math for them!
The system is now up and running and helping the WRAL team help viewers get the best information for their morning, and evening, drives.
It is wonderful working day to day with Brian and all of the weather staff, said Danchi. They are very thoughtful and make my job much easier!
Thanks to WRAL-TV's Shan Zhong and WRAL-TV's Elizabeth Gardner for these Capcom graphics.
WRAL-TVs Brian Shrader shows off the new traffic system on WRALs Morning News. (Photo courtesy of WRAL-TVs Elizabeth Gardner)
For the new WRAL Traffic System, the team built out templates for all of our Live cameras on major interstates and highways in our area. (Screen capture courtesy of WRAL-TVs Shan Zhong)
For the new WRAL Traffic System, the team built out templates for all of our Live cameras on major interstates and highways in our area. (Screen capture courtesy of WRAL-TVs Shan Zhong)
For the new WRAL Traffic System, the team built out templates for all of our Live cameras on major interstates and highways in our area. (Screen capture courtesy of WRAL-TVs Shan Zhong)
For the new WRAL Traffic System, the team built out templates for all of our Live cameras on major interstates and highways in our area. (Screen capture courtesy of WRAL-TVs Shan Zhong)
For the new WRAL Traffic System, the team built out templates for all of our Live cameras on major interstates and highways in our area. (Screen capture courtesy of WRAL-TVs Shan Zhong)
For the new WRAL Traffic System, the team built out templates for all of our Live cameras on major interstates and highways in our area. (Screen capture courtesy of WRAL-TVs Shan Zhong)
More from WRAL-TV
01/07/2025
Historic appointment ushers in unified leadership for WRAL-TV, New Media, and Digital Solutions
RALEIGH, N.C. - 6-27-25 - Capitol Broadcasting Company is prou...
25/06/2025
CBC Real Estate, a division of Capitol Broadcasting Company (CBC), announced tod...
30/05/2025
American Underground Returns to American Tobacco Campus A full-circle homecoming for Durham's leading coworking community
Durham, N.C. (May 29, 2025) - In ...
09/05/2025
Capitol Broadcasting Company welcomed Warren Thomas as the new Vice President an...
19/02/2025
Leadership change at Capitol Broadcasting Company's WRAL-TV/FOX 50
Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. (CBC) today announced that longtime local media lea...
10/09/2024
New Beginnings for Fullsteam Brewery at American Tobacco Campus
9,000-square-foot taproom, set between iconic water tower and smokestack,
promises a lively ne...
15/08/2024
Beep! Beep! The school supply drive has come to a close, and American Tobacco is thrilled to announce its success! A busload of essential supplies is now ready ...
14/08/2024
The MilkShake Factory at American Tobacco is now open for business! The grand opening took place on Monday, August 12, 2024. The American Tobacco located will b...
13/08/2024
Tacos & Tallboys Tuesday with Tune Tuesday (Wool E.'s Version), Winning Wedn...
12/08/2024
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) have named MIX Mornings with Kyle, Bryan and Sarah as a finalist for an NAB 2024 Marconi Award for Large Market P...
07/08/2024
A Triangle Crossover Collaboration At The DBAP On Sunday, August 18th
The North Carolina Courage will be celebrated during the Durham Bulls home game on Sunday...
06/08/2024
WRAL-TV recently got an upgrade. The old newsroom has a new look! WRAL-TV Reporter Brian Shrader gave viewers a virtual tour for the grand opening....
31/07/2024
October Event Showcases Elite Women's Baseball at Durham Bulls Athletic Park
The Durham Bulls, in conjunction with the All-American Girls Professional Base...
30/07/2024
Tacos & Tallboys Tuesday with Tune Tuesday, Winning Wednesday, Kids Run The Base...
29/07/2024
Duke University Athletics and Learfield's Blue Devil Sports Properties have signed a multi-year extension with Capitol Broadcasting to continue as the long-...
26/07/2024
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games are about to begin, and Capitol Broadcasting is rea...
25/07/2024
Get your shop on at Rocky Mount Mills on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at The Power House Artisan Market. Check out an amazing selection of handcrafted d cor, painti...
24/07/2024
Roll with the Gnomies The last week of the Greenville Yard Gnomes' inaugural season starts on Thursday, July 25, 2024, with Tallboy Thursday, featuring drin...
23/07/2024
Rocky Mount Mills is partnering with the Rocky Mount Police Department with thei...
23/07/2024
Tacos & Tallboys Tuesday with Tune Tuesday, Winning Wednesday, Kids Run The Base...
23/07/2024
The 2024 Paris Olympics kick off with the Opening Ceremonies this Friday, July 26, 2024. As an NBC affiliate, WRAL-TV is proud to broadcast the network's co...
22/07/2024
The Green Eyeshade Awards, the nation's oldest regional journalism contest, recognized Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist Dennis Draugh...
19/07/2024
Only a Few More Chances to see the Salamanders and Yard Gnomes This Year
The Holly Springs Salamanders have another big weekend coming up at Ting Park!
Join t...
18/07/2024
A recent WRAL-TV story brought together the best of virtual design and reporting...
17/07/2024
The free Live After 5 summer concert series is adjusting its start time for it...
12/07/2024
American Underground, Capitol Broadcasting's co-working community division, ...
11/07/2024
The Bulls might be away, but the Salamanders and Yard Gnomes are playing at home this weekend!
The Salamanders have another action-packed week at Ting Park, in...
10/07/2024
Durham Magazine's 2024 Best of Durham list is out, and American Tobacco is celebrating multiple list makers!
Check out this impressive list of ATC winners:...
09/07/2024
The Duke Arts at American Tobacco series is returning this fall. The 2024 seaso...
03/07/2024
It's possible to do a full tour of CBC's baseball teams over the 4th of July holiday! Start in Holly Springs or Durham and then swing by Greenville. Che...
02/07/2024
Now in the month of the Paris Summer Olympics, WRAL-TV is gearing up for coverag...
27/06/2024
As one of the many value-addeds of 95.7 FM That Station, the music curators have touring musicians come in to sit down with That Station Program Director & Week...
25/06/2024
Tacos & Tallboys Tuesday with Tune Tuesday, Winning Wednesday, Kids Run The Base...
24/06/2024
Three WRAL-TV legends got together with a Triangle acting legend for a conversation in front of a crowd at the Carolina Country Club on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. ...
20/06/2024
General Manager of Capitol Broadcasting's newest baseball club, Minnesota na...
19/06/2024
Studio to Offer Infrared Heated Classes and Yoga for Kids in a Larger, Community-Focused Space
Yoga Off East is thrilled to announce its expansion and relocati...
17/06/2024
That Station kicked off the summer 2024 edition of the Artist Notes concert series with Greg Humphreys (of Dillon Fence and Hobex) on Thursday, June 13, on NC S...
14/06/2024
The 38th Annual WRAL Azalea Celebration is now accepting applications from non-profits for the 2024 plant giveaway. Sponsored by WRAL-TV, MIX 101.5 WRAL-FM, FOX...
14/06/2024
Tee up a fun golf at American Tobacco. State of Golf, Downtown Durham's premier golf & sports simulator lounge opened on June 11, 2024. Get inspired by US O...
13/06/2024
Twenty years-can you believe it? Two decades ago, the American Tobacco Campus began with the revival of the old tobacco warehouses that stood vacant in downtown...
11/06/2024
Tacos & Tallboys Tuesday with Tune Tuesday, Winning Wednesday, Dollar Dog Thursd...
10/06/2024
HighSchoolOT Honors is back for the 2023-24 school year, and it's time to nominate North Carolina's BEST high school athletes, coaches, teams and more.
...
07/06/2024
Looking for the perfect gift for Dad, a staycation with the kids or checking off your summer bucket list?
There is no better way to kick off the summer than a ...
05/06/2024
Ahead of a new WRAL Documentary airing Thursday, you can attend a free screening...
05/06/2024
Airs Thursday, June 6 at 7:30pm
The WRAL Documentary Unit investigates the growing gang problem in North Carolina in their latest documentary, Easy Targets: Ga...
04/06/2024
Tacos & Tallboys Tuesday with Tune Tuesday, Winning Wednesday, Dollar Dog Thursd...
04/06/2024
Inside Radio chatted with 99.9 The Fan Program Director Paul Ihander last week, to highlight the growth 99.9 The Fan is seeing. Writer Rich Appel asked about hi...
03/06/2024
Capitol Broadcasting's Explorer Post members are expanding their baseball broadcasting skills for a second year in a row. Students from WRAL's Post 5, ...
30/05/2024
That Station's app and website just got a major upgrade. The station crew co...
29/05/2024
NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) issued a forecast las...