JUNE 11, 2025 – LOS ANGELES – CBS Los Angeles is proud to announce the launch of its groundbreaking AR/VR technology studio, the seventh and most advanced of its kind within the CBS Stations Group. Officially debuting today, June 11, during the 9:00 AM newscast with meteorologist Paul Deanno, the technology-driven studio marks a transformative leap in how weather and sports are reported in Southern California.
Located in a newly built state-of-the-art KCAL News studio, the new studio is the largest technology-driven facility in the CBS Stations Group, spanning 68 feet by 50 feet, totaling 3,400 square feet. It is the first and only fully AR/VR-enabled news studio in Southern California, placing CBS Los Angeles at the forefront of immersive broadcast journalism. The nearest comparable facility is at CBS Bay Area/KPIX, underscoring CBS Los Angeles’ leadership in innovation across the region.
“CBS Los Angeles is proud to be the first in Southern California to bring this level of immersive storytelling to our viewers,” said Tim Wieland, regional president and general manager of CBS Los Angeles. “This new AR/VR studio redefines how we deliver weather and sports – making complex information more accessible, engaging and visually compelling. It’s a game-changer for our market and a testament to our commitment to innovation.”
CBS-owned stations across the country have embraced next-generation technology to elevate the viewer’s experience, particularly in weather reporting. CBS Bay Area was the first to pioneer the state-of-the-art AR/VR weather set, delivering unmatched clarity and insight in forecasting, later leading the way for the other stations to follow. Stations in New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Miami and Colorado are similarly leveraging AR/VR to enhance weather coverage, providing audiences with a more engaging and informative understanding of the conditions impacting their communities.
Jennifer Mitchell, president of CBS Stations, who has overseen the rollout of AR/VR studios across the Network, shared: “We began this journey two years ago with KPIX in the Bay Area, driven by a vision to invest in local journalism and deliver the news in ways that resonate with today’s audiences. Bringing this technology to the nation’s second-largest media market was a natural next step. This is about standing apart through innovation, and continuing to lead with purpose, creativity and cutting-edge storytelling.”
Throughout the day on June 11, viewers can expect to see the new studio in action across CBS Los Angeles’ programming, showcasing how AR/VR technology brings weather patterns, sports analysis and storytelling to life like never before.
This launch represents a bold step forward in local broadcasting, offering a first-of-its-kind experience that no other station in the region can match.
With this investment, CBS Los Angeles continues to lead the way in delivering cutting-edge journalism that informs, inspires and connects communities.
(Taken from a release)
