Full Breakdown
CBS Sacramento Launches First AR/VR News Studio in the Market
5/12/2026, 11:57:46 AM
AR/VR Studio Debut Marks a Technological Milestone
On May 11, 2026, CBS News Sacramento (KOVR) unveiled an augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) news set during its noon broadcast. The old studio was replaced with cyclorama walls and a green-screen system that lets anchors, meteorologists and reporters interact with virtual graphics. The new environment appears across KOVR’s news, weather and sports segments, with select AR/VR elements also used on Good Day Sacramento on sister station KMAX-TV. The rollout makes KOVR the 12th CBS Television Stations newsroom to adopt AR/VR technology and positions the station for the June primary election coverage.
CBS Stations’ AR/VR Expansion
The Sacramento launch follows a CBS-wide initiative that began at the Bay Area station and has since been implemented in markets such as Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit and San Francisco. Paramount, CBS’s parent, describes immersive storytelling as a core differentiator for its local outlets.
Key Figures Behind the Launch
President and General Manager Scott Warren oversees both CBS Sacramento and the Bay Area operation. News Director Scott Rates set the editorial agenda for the new set. Reporter Ashley Sharp introduced the studio on air. Engineers Ben Ganger and George Stuart led the technical redesign, while anchor Marlee Ginter participated in rehearsals.
Impact on Local Journalism
The AR/VR environment lets journalists overlay interactive graphics on stories ranging from election maps to severe-weather systems, providing viewers with greater context and perspective. The technology preserves editorial standards while offering a more engaging format, and it equips the station to experiment with new storytelling ahead of major civic events.
Official Statements & Responses
Scott Warren said the studio “gives viewers greater context and perspective, creating a more immersive way to experience the weather and local news stories that matter to them.” Scott Rates highlighted the timing as essential for the June primary election. Ashley Sharp called the launch “the best of local news — using technology as a tool to do that better.” Engineers emphasized the need to “rethink literally everything we do” for the virtual set.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What viewers see at home may look like a traditional news set, but it's all virtual reality,” — Ashley Sharp, reporter
- “We had to rethink literally everything we do,” — Ben Ganger, engineer
- “It's really the biggest change in news production in decades,” — George Stuart, engineer
- “My right is on my left and my left is on my right. It's a lot to get used to, but it's been a lot of fun.” — Marlee Ginter, anchor
What’s Next
Engineers say the May 12 rollout is only the first phase; future upgrades will add AR/VR tools for live-field reporting, audience interaction and AI-driven visualizations. The station plans to use the technology for in-depth election coverage and to pilot immersive segments in upcoming special reports.
