CBS Texas launches Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) technology-driven studio

CBS Stations proudly announces the launch of its eighth state-of-the-art Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) technology-driven studio at CBS Texas (CBS 11 KTVT Dallas - Fort Worth), making it the first station in the region to introduce this groundbreaking technology.

CBS Texas will debut the AR/VR system on-air today, Monday, June 23, during the CBS News Texas newscast at 5:00 PM, led by first alert chief meteorologist McKenna King, who will guide viewers through the first immersive weather segment using the new platform.

The AR/VR-enabled studio, measuring approximately 20,384 cubic square feet, transforms storytelling by offering a dynamic, visually rich experience that brings weather to life. From hyper-realistic weather simulations to immersive storytelling environments, the technology enhances both presentation and viewer comprehension of complex topics.

“The launch in Texas further underscores our commitment to investing in the future of local journalism,” said Jennifer Mitchell, president of CBS Stations, and CBS News and Stations Digital. “Through the expansion of our technological capabilities, we continue to deepen how we serve our communities, elevate the viewer experience and shape the future of broadcast journalism.”

“Over the past year, we’ve evolved every part of our newsroom – from refreshing our newscasts, updating our brand and building a multiplatform coverage strategy,” said Raquel Amparo, president and general manager of CBS Texas. “This technology is the next chapter and allows us to enhance meaningful content for everyone we serve.”

The launch follows the successful implementation in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, the Bay Area, Denver and Miami.  

(This post was taken from a release sent to me by CBS Stations.)

Stephanie Serna on how she landed her first job

Stephanie Serna is interviewed by fellow KSAT 12 San Antonio anchor Ernie Zuniga for his "Pickup Lines" podcast.

Serna joined KSAT 12 San Antonio in November 2009 as a general assignments reporter, from reporting roles at KXAN Austin, CBS Austin KEYE, and KWTX 10 in the Waco-Temple-Killeen area.

Her career took a pivotal turn in the mid-1990s at FOX 29 KABB, where she landed a key opportunity after a mix-up involving another hire opened the door for her.

A San Antonio native, Serna graduated from John Jay High School and holds a journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

Dominique Sachse and Vic Mignogna celebrate one year anniversary

Dominique Sachse and her husband Vic Mignogna are celebrating a year of marriage.

You may recall that the DFW-based couple was secretly married in 2024.

They share their biggest lessons, favorite moments, and what surprised them most about married life.

'Dean and Rog' launch YouTube channel with Birthday Scams

The "Dean and Rog" Morning Show radio team has launched a YouTube channel with their Birthday Scam prank calls.

Dean Myers and Roger Beaty were let go from The Eagle 106.9/107.5 KHPT-KGLK Houston in December 2024.

The account promises new uploads every Tuesday and Friday at 7am Central.  

101 KLOL legend Outlaw Dave is now doing mornings on Houston's Eagle. Watch OD in the documentary "Runaway Radio."  Former KLOL DJ Chuck Akers also joined The Eagle.

Bob Brackeen calls it a career at KTEN Sherman

Bob Brackeen is retiring from KTEN Sherman and the TV news industry after around 30 years.

The evening anchor has covered many Texas cities over the years, including a stop in  Portland, Maine.

I want to cover Brackeen's career fully, whose bio claims he has a truck full of AP awards, but I'm trying to piece his resume together with glue and staples.

Outside of KTEN Sherman, I am pretty certain Brackeen has also worked for:

KIDY/KXVA - San Angelo / Abilene

KETK  - Tyler

KAVU 25 Victoria

But I believe the  Paris, Texas native has also worked for KLTV 7 East Texas, as well as a station in Beaumont.

Michael Courier joins KVUE Austin

Michael Courier is joining KVUE Austin from KVIA ABC-7 El Paso.

Courier is an anchor and producer for ABC 7 at Noon on KVIA and also serves as the traffic anchor for Good Morning El Paso. 

Iris García Barrón leaves Good Morning El Paso on weekends to take over for Courier. Olivia Vara will take over for Barrón on weekend mornings.

Courier joined KVIA in 2022 as a multimedia journalist.

The Colorado Media School grad gained experience in radio as a board operator at 104.3 KKFN The Fan and ESPN Radio 1600 in Denver, Colorado. 

Courier's former co-anchor Isabella Martinez recently moved from the noon newscast to work on "7 in the City."

- Ginger Zee makes Texas anchor sweat live on air

San Antonio TV anchor celebrity doppelgängers

The KSAT 12 "Good Morning San Antonio" team used AI to see which celebrity their anchors Ernie Zuniga and Japhanie Gray, plus meteorologist Justin Horne, most resemble.

If I were to go to the trouble of doing this, looking at my photo above, I guess I'd get back Max Headroom?

KHOU 11 adds new morning newscast on streaming

KHOU 11 Houston is expanding its morning show from 7 to 9 a.m. on KHOU 11+ starting June 30, 2025.

Now, KHOU will have morning news on TV from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., followed by the new digital newscast with the same anchor team on streaming.

Monday, station owner TEGNA announced an increase in newscast offerings for its group.

KHOU is now offering a morning streaming newscast just like other Houston stations, such as ABC13 KTRK and KPRC 2 have been doing for years.

As for other TEGNA Texas stations, I blogged back in April about how KVUE Austin was launching Daybreak+ with Rob Evans on KVUE+.

I looked around and did not see any newscast expansions for WFAA 8 Dallas-Fort Worth or KENS 5 San Antonio at this point.

KHOU also posted a video about a new streaming show at 10 a.m. called "Texas News Now," which appears to feature news from across the state from TEGNA sister stations.  "Texas News Now" has been around since at least March, as it was mentioned in an article on CBS19 KYTX East Texas.

Jeremiah Stewart joins Fox West Texas

Jeremiah Stewart joins Fox West Texas KXVA Abilene in June 2025 as a meteorologist from TEGNA sister station 12News KBMT Beaumont.

Stewart joined 12News in May 2023.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Sciences from Texas A&M in College Station in May 2023.

While in college, the Crockett High School grad did weathercasts for 90.9 FM KAMU College Station and 90.5 KTRL Stephenville.

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Dale Hansen surprises Pete Delkus for his 20th anniversary at WFAA

Dale Hansen was the latest guest to surprise WFAA 8 Dallas-Fort Worth chief meteorologist Pete Delkus for his 20th anniversary with the now TEGNA station.  

It was like no time had passed between Delkus and the legendary former sports anchor.

Other mystery guests to visit Delkus on-air included former Channel 8 anchor Shelly Slater.