Local HD: San Diego, Mobile, Indianapolis Stations

WEAR-TV, the ABC affiliate in Mobile/Pensacola (DMA No. 60), has joined the growing list of broadcasters that have begun airing local news, sports and community remotes in 720p.

The Alabama station has built a new set with 30 HD monitors of various sizes, a state-of-the-weather center, and an anchor desk that can rotate 180 degrees, according to the Pensacola News Journal. "The latest, most advanced cameras will show a crisper, cleaner picture on any set," said News Director Kyle Brinkman. The Sinclair station said it invested more than $3 million in its DTV transition.

Meanwhile, WISH-TV, the CBS affiliate in the Indianapolis market (DMA No. 25), has officially begun broadcasting its local news in 1080i after a few days of tests. WISH-TV is a Lin outlet and airs the only local 10 p.m. cast in the market.

And in San Diego (DMA no. 28, as of Sept. 27), KGTV-TV also has begun airing its local news in HD (720p). The broadcaster is an ABC affiliate.

As of August, at least 120 stations in 63 markets were transmitting their local news in 1080i or 720p, according to sister publication Television Broadcast.