Virginia Public Media (VPM) has partnered with Broadcast Management Group (BMG) and Zero Density to bring cutting-edge virtual studio technology to its new broadcast facility in Richmond, VA. This collaboration marks a significant upgrade for VPM, enhancing its ability to deliver high-quality news and other media content.
BMG, acting as the managed services provider, played a key role in the technology integration process. “Our involvement with the project began at the consulting phase where we helped determine workflows, technology solutions, and space planning. Since then, we have committed to providing ground-up support to fully outfit VPM’s new facility with state-of-the-art technology and workflows to support current and future operations. Together with Zero Density, we are excited to provide the new broadcast facility that is equipped with only the most advanced capabilities,” said Todd Mason, CEO of Broadcast Management Group.
The virtual studio, built around Zero Density's Reality5 platform, will initially support VPM's news productions. However, its capabilities extend beyond internal use. VPM plans to offer the studio to external clients, expanding its services and fostering creative collaborations within the local community. "We’re excited to engage with Zero Density and see what it can provide to our daily operation and supporting the Richmond, VA production community with virtual studio technology," explained Harry Orell, VP of Technology at VPM.
Zero Density’s CEO, Barış Zavaroğlu, highlighted the advanced features of Reality5: “Zero Density leads the virtual studio production globally since introducing Unreal Engine to broadcasting a decade ago. With drastically improved graphics quality, combined with a real-time compositing pipeline and unparalleled keying capabilities, Zero Density offers an unrivaled solution. The Reality5 platform provides a streamlined architecture, delivering extraordinary quality while maintaining reliability, efficiency, and seamless integration.”
The new facility is slated to open in the first quarter of 2026, promising a significant boost to VPM's broadcast capabilities and the Richmond, VA, media landscape.