WCCO-TV Launched New AR/VR News Studio
The Minneapolis station completed its transition to immersive news technology.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Television
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WCCO-TV has officially debuted its new AR/VR-enabled news studio in Minneapolis. The station is the 15th and final CBS-owned outlet to adopt the immersive technology across its national network.
Why it matters
The company integrated these tools to provide more innovative storytelling for its audience. This upgrade aims to improve coverage clarity and visual presentation for local news viewers.
The new facility occupies a 1,200-square-foot space within the station. WCCO-TV is now the final addition to the network-wide integration of this technology.
The players
WCCO-TV
This is a television station based in Minneapolis that serves as a CBS affiliate.
CBS Television Stations
This organization operates a group of network-owned television stations across the United States.
The details
Meteorologists at the station practiced in the studio environment before the official launch. The space is specifically designed to facilitate the new augmented reality and virtual reality broadcasting capabilities.
Timeline
October 1, 2026: The technology made its debut on the 6pm Central newscast.
Industry Dynamics
This move marks the conclusion of a broader push to standardize high-tech broadcasting tools across the CBS network. It positions the group as the only station network with this specific technology active at every owned location.
Viewers in Minneapolis will now experience enhanced visual elements and graphics during regular news broadcasts. No action is required to access this content, as it is integrated directly into the standard 6pm news feed.
The takeaway
The adoption of AR/VR technology reflects a growing industry trend toward more immersive visual storytelling in local news. Viewers can expect a shift in how weather and breaking news data are presented on screen.
Further reading
For more news on local broadcasts, visit the Television section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Radio & Television Business Report.
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