KOVR-TV Adopts AR/VR News Studio as 12th CBS Station Rolls Out the Technology

5 articles · Updated · Radio & Television Business Report · May 12

KOVR-TV in Stockton began AR/VR broadcasts at noon Pacific on May 11, adding the immersive studio across its local news, weather and sports programming.
The rollout makes CBS Sacramento the 12th CBS station to adopt the format, part of a broader push to give viewers more context and a more immersive presentation.
KMAX-TV, KOVR’s sibling station, will use selected AR/VR elements on GOOD DAY, while the rest of that program will continue from a traditional studio.
CBS Stations is positioning AR/VR as a differentiator for its owned outlets, backed by a broader Paramount investment tied to future-proofing local TV.

Can flashy AR/VR graphics truly solve local TV news's struggle to stay relevant in the age of TikTok and social media?

Is the multi-million dollar AR/VR technology race in local news a sustainable strategy or a path to further industry consolidation?