CBS MINNESOTA (WCCO) DEBUTS NEW AR/VR NEWS STUDIO

Oct. 1, 2026

CBS MINNESOTA (WCCO) DEBUTS NEW AR/VR NEWS STUDIO

Chief Meteorologist Chris Shaffer Introduces New Technology During Today's

6:00 PM Weather Newscast

Chief meteorologist Chris Shaffer rehearsing inside WCCO's AR/VR news studio

Photo Courtesy: CBS Minnesota

Images of the AR/VR Set Here

SKIM (Story, Key Facts, Impact, More Below)

• Story - CBS Minnesota (WCCO), Minnesota's most-watched station, will debut its new AR/VR news studio during today's 6:00 PM newscast, with chief meteorologist Chris Shaffer providing viewers with their first look at the technology.

• Key Facts - The 1,200-square-foot studio is the 15th and final CBS Stations' news studio to incorporate the company's proprietary AR/VR technology.

• Impact - The AR/VR technology helps journalists visually explain complex weather events and news through immersive three-dimensional environments with greater context and understanding.

• More Below - Full press release below includes details about the launch and executive quotes from CBS Stations and WCCO leadership.

MINNEAPOLIS - Oct. 1, 2026- CBS Minnesota (WCCO), Minnesota's most-watched station, will debut a new Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) news studio during today's 6:00 PM newscast. The station is the only broadcaster in the region with this technology, giving journalists a new immersive way to visually explain weather and major news stories.

Chief meteorologist Chris Shaffer will use the studio's immersive graphics to bring forecasts and weather conditions to life, helping viewers better understand what's happening and what it means for their communities.

WCCO's 1,200-square-foot studio is the 15th and final CBS Stations newsroom to implement AR/VR technology, completing the Company's rollout across all its owned television stations.

"Local journalism is at the heart of everything we do," said Jennifer Mitchell, president of CBS Television Stations. "The investments we've made in AR/VR technology across CBS Stations reflect our commitment to delivering trusted reporting, innovative storytelling and meaningful coverage that better serves our communities. WCCO is Minnesota's most-watched station and the final CBS-owned station to launch an AR/VR-enabled news studio, and I'm thrilled to see its debut. This milestone completes a portfolio-wide transformation, making CBS Stations the only television station group in the country with AR/VR news studios."

"Minnesotans rely on WCCO to help them make sense of what's happening in their communities, especially during significant weather events and major local news moments," said Ann Ouellette, president and general manager of CBS Minnesota. "This new studio gives our team another way to deliver the information viewers need with the clarity, context and accuracy they expect from us."

Viewers can watch CBS Minnesota (WCCO) on Channel 4, online at CBSNews.com/Minnesota or through the CBS News Minnesota streaming channel, available on connected TV, mobile and digital platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions About CBS Stations' AR/VR Technology

Question: What is CBS Stations announcing?

Answer: CBS Stations has expanded its proprietary Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) technology platform across its owned and operated television stations. The technology supports immersive storytelling across weather, news and sports and helps journalists explain complex information through interactive visual environments.