MSNBC unveiled a captivating virtual set for its preview coverage of Donald Trump’s address to Congress on March 4, 2025. This innovative design masterfully incorporated a blend of classic art deco and modern aesthetics.
The setup cleverly utilized the green box studio adjacent to the main section of Studio 3A, MSNBC’s usual hub for major event coverage. While the two spaces can be interconnected for a hybrid look, the March 4th broadcast maintained a distinct separation between the virtual and real environments. Later that evening, the coverage transitioned to the main area of Studio 3A.
The virtual environment preceding the speech featured a striking wall of simulated windows offering a stylized view of the Capitol. Flanking this were classical columns and walls composed of vertical bands of red, white, and off-white hues. In front of these walls sat shorter, curved wall segments equipped with virtual video screens, showcasing graphics from the package initially used for Trump’s inauguration coverage. Additional walls of windows, each displaying a different Washington, D.C. view – the White House on camera left and the Washington Monument on camera right – extended the environment’s depth.
Gold accents were elegantly integrated throughout the set, from the floor and shorter side walls to the brushed gold framing of the simulated windows and mullions. A distinctive diamond pattern in cream and gold further enhanced the visual appeal. For the anchor desk, two coordinating LED and banded desk segments were positioned side-by-side, creating a large unit accommodating up to five people. Gold banding added a touch of sophistication to this element.
The design drew inspiration from both the classic architecture of D.C. and the art deco motifs of Studio 3A's location, the historic 30 Rockefeller Plaza. MSNBC's past use of Studio 3AW for political coverage with multiple host teams, often employed sets originally designed for “NBC Nightly News”. This contrasts with the March 3rd virtual environment, which bears resemblance to the 2021 election cycle's virtual setup. That earlier design was sleeker, but shared the art deco elements and gold hues set against a dramatic night scene.
This virtual set launch follows NBC News’ virtual setup for its 2024 election night coverage in Studio 4E. MSNBC’s recent renovations added a curved video wall and faux brick elements in Studio 3A, complementing the newsroom’s exposed brick. These updates, along with the integration of glass and LED wraps on structural columns, reflect a broader visual theme incorporating both physical and virtual columns across MSNBC and NBC News sets.
Rockefeller Plaza also played a crucial role in NBC News' 2024 election coverage. The curved video wall created the illusion of an outdoor broadcast overlooking 30 Rock. MSNBC also opened the walls between Studio 3A and the green screen space during this coverage, enabling a "transport" of viewers between New York and a virtual Washington D.C., complete with virtual stairs connecting the two.
Beyond elections, MSNBC has used the green studio for other events including the April 2024 eclipse coverage, which transformed the space into a portal to outer space.