CBS Atlanta to Launch AR/VR News Operation
CBS Atlanta is set to revolutionise local news broadcasting with the introduction of its cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) studio. This state-of-the-art facility, scheduled to launch on Monday, September 15, will be the first of its kind in the Atlanta market, offering viewers a truly immersive news experience.
The launch of the new evening newscasts at 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM will be a momentous occasion for CBS Atlanta. These programmes, led by the esteemed Jobina Fortson-Evans, a three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and Atlanta native, will set a new standard in local news broadcasting. With her extensive experience and deep community ties, Fortson-Evans will guide viewers through reports that combine cutting-edge visuals with trusted journalism, ensuring a compelling and informative viewing experience.
Earlier this year, CBS made a significant announcement that WUPA (Channel 69), a station it owns and operates, would now serve as the home for its entertainment, news, and sports programming. This strategic shift followed Grey Media’s decision to transition WANF, which had carried the CBS affiliation for 31 years, into a fully independent local news outlet under the new name Atlanta News First.
CBS Atlanta leadership has emphasised the role of community-centred journalism in shaping its approach. Fortson-Evans was selected to spearhead the new operation due to her journalistic integrity and deep connection to the Atlanta area. Her career spans multiple markets, including KGO-TV/ABC7 News in San Francisco, WAVE 3 News in Louisville, and WMDT in Salisbury, Maryland. In Atlanta, she previously launched and hosted ATL Live, a lifestyle programme on Atlanta News First. A graduate of Howard University, she was awarded a White House Correspondents’ Association scholarship, which was personally presented to her by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
The appointment also carries a historic distinction, as Fortson-Evans becomes the first anchor in the region to deliver local news through a fully immersive AR/VR platform. The station anticipates that the technology will enhance accessibility and offer a more dynamic viewing experience, enabling audiences to engage with complex subjects through hyper-realistic visuals and interactive storytelling.
The investment places CBS Atlanta among a select group of CBS-owned stations adopting this new format. It becomes the ninth in the network family to employ AR/VR technology, joining established operations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Denver, Miami and Texas. Within that group, it is the third station to deliver every newscast using a fully immersive format, signalling CBS’s ambition to set a new industry standard in local broadcasting.
The AR/VR studio is designed to transform traditional news delivery into a visually rich experience. From presenting detailed weather systems to illustrating civic issues, the studio offers tools for presenting information in a way that is both engaging and impactful. The immersive environment is expected to significantly enhance viewer understanding of stories while strengthening the overall connection between the newsroom and the community. This emphasis on the impact of the AR/VR studio will make the audience feel more engaged and connected to the news.
Executives at CBS Stations have highlighted the significance of launching in Atlanta, describing the city as one of the nation’s most dynamic news markets. The move is seen as part of a broader commitment to invest in innovation and redefine how local news connects with audiences. By combining technology with experienced local journalism, CBS Atlanta aims to deliver news that not only informs but also resonates with its viewers. This emphasis on the significance of launching in Atlanta will make the audience feel valued and integral to the news delivery process.
In introducing the AR/VR newsroom, CBS Atlanta is positioning itself at the forefront of broadcast innovation, pairing technological advancement with a renewed focus on community-driven reporting. As the newscasts debut, the station is set to establish a distinctive presence in Atlanta’s competitive media landscape, redefining how local stories are told and experienced.
