Atlanta Welcomes CBS & Its First AR/VR Newsroom [EXCLUSIVE]

Seen on the scene…

CBS Atlanta formally launched its brand-new native newsroom and the area’s first totally immersive AR/VR information studio with a star-studded celebration! The inaugural CBS Atlanta Fest gathered community expertise from Past The Gates, Tyler Perry’s The Oval, Sistas, Ruthless, Zatima, The Daring and the Stunning, The Younger and the Stressed, and extra—signaling a brand new period of native storytelling and nationwide leisure within the metropolis.

Celebrating the Community’s New Chapter

BOSSIP’s very personal, Lauryn Bass, was within the room for the crimson carpet–caught unique moments with a few of CBS’s star energy.

“I grew up right here. I symbolize this metropolis. I really like the tradition, I really like the vibe,” stated Jobina Fortson-Evans, CBS Atlanta’s new night anchor, as she appeared out over town skyline throughout CBS Atlanta Fest. “It’s such an honor to do the information that truly represents what folks need to see… To be the beginning of doing this [AR/VR set] is simply past my wildest goals.”

Fortson-Evans isn’t simply speaking about one other information present. She’s debuting the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts inside the primary totally immersive AR/VR native information studio within the Southeast, turning Atlanta’s headlines into a visible expertise viewers can actually step inside.

Fortson-Evans additionally had a message for the subsequent technology of journalists watching the information panorama shift beneath AI and social media.

“Be you, do you, and there’ll at all times be room for you,” she stated. “Discover tales that aren’t in press releases. Be energetic in your group… and if you happen to’re not being revered the place you’re, that’s an indication to step elsewhere. CBS is devoted to group journalism and actually championing that.”

Stars Rejoice the Community’s New Chapter

On the carpet, Kron Moore of Tyler Perry’s The Oval soaked up the evening in a lime inexperienced look.

“It’s actually thrilling to be out for this new alternative for CBS,” she advised BOSSIP. “Research the artwork, examine the craft. Have a love for the work, as a result of it may’t simply be about cash or fame.”

Tamara Tunie graced the room so elegantly in a silver ensemble, representing the character she performs on Past the Gates. When requested what it’s wish to painting a household matriarch, she answered:

“It feels nice. I really feel like I’m being my mom, who’s my hero and my position mannequin, who is actually the matriarch of our household. If I can honor her by representing her peer group and all the ladies of my age who’re holding their households down and collectively, I’m so proud to do it.”

When requested concerning the cultural weight of starring in one in all CBS’s first Black-led dramas in years, she defined:

“We actually want alternatives for Black folks to be in areas the place we’re checked out in a optimistic means. One of many causes I stated sure to doing this present is as a result of it focuses on an prosperous African American household. And our solid could be very numerous—it’s not only a Black present. Everyone seems to be represented, from Latina to Asian to LGBTQ. Our viewers is just about 50/50 Black and white, which is improbable as a result of it’s a present about human beings, not simply Black folks. We’re in a position to insinuate Black tradition and Black historical past and Black positiveness all through the present and nonetheless be entertaining, edifying, and academic—whereas giving everyone a great time and a few good previous soap-opera drama.”

Tunie’s on-screen associate, Clifton Davis, additionally shared his expertise on the present.

“It’s a thrill every single day. Tamara is so gifted and so proficient. I virtually really feel boring speaking about it as a result of I say it so typically, but it surely’s so true. She’s a profoundly gifted performer.”

When requested why he believes Past the Gates resonates with audiences, Davis mirrored:

“For me, doing this present will not be successful as a result of it’s Black—it’s successful as a result of it’s good. It’s written effectively, it’s numerous, and now we have different ethnicities in our solid and crew. We’ve acquired a household that works on Past the Gates that comes collectively, giving the very best they’ve acquired to make it a profitable present. From the writers to wardrobe to digicam crew to sound and lights to actors, hair and make-up, everyone seems to be doing their best possible to make Past the Gates an amazing present.”

Sports activities illustration was additionally within the constructing. Former WNBA star, Ty Younger, shared what it meant to attend an evening mixing Atlanta sports activities and leisure.

“It’s colliding with sports activities and leisure right here in Atlanta. It’s cool to see acquainted faces within the sports activities house and the TV house and be part of it.”

Actors had been additionally circulating the constructing. Award-winning actor, Antoine Morgan, summed up the spirit of the evening.

“This occasion brings so many individuals collectively—actors, sports activities figures, executives. I hope it offers extra alternative and a optimistic vibe about Atlanta, bringing all races and backgrounds collectively.”

Neighborhood Journalism Meets Reducing-Edge Tech

CBS management made it clear that this launch isn’t nearly slick visuals.

“You advised us you wished much less crime reporting. We’re not right here to simply report—we’re right here to tell and uplift,” stated Jennifer Mitchell, president of CBS Stations and CBS Information and Stations Digital, after unveiling the VR setup to cheers.

Atlanta now joins New York and Los Angeles as solely the third CBS market to ship each newscast in full AR/VR. Vice chairman and information director Shawn Hoder known as the brand new operation proof that “native journalism thrives when led by individuals who know and care concerning the group.”

A Rooftop Night time of Magic

Held on the rooftop at Retreat by The Gathering Spot, the night set an expensive scene with skyline views and a continuing move of hospitality. Friends had been greeted with rounds of drinks, refreshments and video games as quickly as they arrived and all through the evening.

Servers circulated signature hors d’oeuvres and desserts named after CBS reveals—deviled eggs, rooster and waffles, and decadent treats like Daytime Decadence Cheesecake, Past the Gates Fairmont Crest Cobbler, The Younger & the Stressed Genoa Metropolis Ganache Truffles—alongside a artistic drink menu that doubled as a CBS playlist.

Friends sipped on rose, champagne, and Rindin, or opted for themed cocktails corresponding to The NCIS Crime Scene Spritz (Prosecco, Aperol, soda water), Seeing Ghosts (reposado, Campari, grapefruit), Matlock Martini, The Tracker, Watson, The place’s My Marg?, and The CBS Atlanta Augmentini with vodka, St. Germain, lemon juice, and a splash of Prosecco.

Interactive stations saved the group buzzing, from mini-golf/putt-putt and a customized iron-on hat patch station to VR experiences and a nook the place company might “rep their county.”

Rocking the CBS Blue Carpet

The blue carpet visitor checklist spanned community executives, elected officers, and leisure heavyweights.

Amongst these noticed:

Jennifer Mitchell, CBS Stations president; Mike Benson, CBS chief advertising and marketing officer; Tom Canedo, president of CBS Atlanta; and on-air journalists Brian Unger, Sam Crenshaw, and Elita Fielder Adjei.

Political leaders corresponding to Sen. Raphael Warnock, State Rep. Park Cannon, and metropolis officers, together with Marci Collier Overstreet and Rev. Sean Smith.

Daytime and primetime expertise from The Younger and the Stressed, The Daring and the Stunning, Past the Gates, Ghosts, and NCIS, alongside BET and BET+ stars and athletes, together with WNBA alum Ty Younger, Angel McCoughtry, Takeo Spikes, and extra.

With skyline views, next-level tech, and a roster of stars and civic leaders, CBS Atlanta Fest wasn’t only a occasion—it was a promise that Atlanta’s tales will probably be advised with depth, innovation, and cultural fluency.