WJZ AR/VR Studio Launch Transforms CBS Baltimore News

WJZ AR/VR studio launch transforms CBS Baltimore news with immersive weather, sports and local coverage using cutting-edge augmented reality technology

In a major leap toward immersive broadcasting, WJZ AR/VR studio launch has officially marked a new chapter in local television journalism. The technology-driven set was unveiled during the WJZ at noon broadcast on Monday, February 23, signaling a bold move by CBS Baltimore to redefine how news is delivered to viewers across the region.

The WJZ AR/VR studio launch introduces a cutting-edge augmented reality and virtual reality environment designed to enhance storytelling through immersive visuals. Built with advanced digital integration, the new studio allows anchors, meteorologists, and eventually sports analysts to present information in ways that go beyond traditional green-screen formats.

“The launch of our AR/VR studio marks the beginning of an exciting new era for CBS Baltimore and how we serve our viewers,” said Tanya Black, vice president and news director of CBS Baltimore. “This technology allows us to meet our audience where they are and bring them closer to the stories that matter most.”

Immersive Weather Coverage Takes Center Stage

One of the first teams to utilize the space will be the WJZ First Alert Weather Team. Thanks to the WJZ AR/VR studio launch, meteorologists can now transform complex forecasts into hyper-local, immersive weather visualizations. From tracking severe thunderstorms to illustrating snowfall accumulation in specific neighborhoods, the new format is expected to make weather reporting more interactive and easier to understand.

Behind the scenes, crews spent weeks constructing the studio’s framework and walls. While it appears as a large green interior in person, digital overlays convert the space into dynamic environments ranging from storm simulations to detailed cityscapes.

Sports and News to Follow

The impact of the WJZ AR/VR studio launch won’t stop at weather. The WJZ sports team is set to join meteorologists on air in the immersive environment, offering fans enhanced breakdowns of plays, stats, and game strategies. Eventually, full news segments will also be broadcast from the futuristic set as part of a gradual rollout plan.

Kathy Hostetter, president and general manager of CBS Baltimore, emphasized that innovation remains central to the station’s mission. “By combining trusted local journalism with innovative technology, we're creating more immersive and engaging ways to help our community understand the stories that impact their daily lives, from severe weather to the sports teams they love,” she said.

As the WJZ AR/VR studio launch continues its phased implementation, viewers can expect storytelling that blends credibility with cutting-edge presentation. The move positions CBS Baltimore at the forefront of local broadcast innovation, bringing a dynamic new dimension to news in Baltimore.