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Atlanta has always been a city that thrives at the intersection of culture, innovation, and storytelling. On September 15, 2025, that legacy reached new heights with the celebration of CBS Atlanta Fest, an unforgettable event marking the official launch of CBS Atlanta’s brand-new local newsroom and its cutting-edge AR/VR news studio. Part industry showcase, part star-studded fan celebration, the festival was more than just a debut—it was a declaration that local news and entertainment in Atlanta will never be the same again.

Hosted in the heart of the city, CBS Atlanta Fest brought together an impressive roster of network talent from some of television’s most beloved and talked-about shows. Fans lined up to catch glimpses of stars from Tyler Perry’s The Oval, Sistas, Ruthless, and Zatima, as well as daytime staples like The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless. The presence of such iconic casts underscored CBS’s commitment not only to scripted entertainment but also to Atlanta’s role as a growing hub for television production and storytelling.

The atmosphere was electric—part red-carpet glamour, part community block party. Attendees had the chance to meet their favorite actors, snap photos, and share in the excitement of a new era for CBS in Atlanta. The festival wasn’t just about looking back on the success of these shows but about looking forward—toward the future of news, technology, and cultural storytelling in one of America’s most dynamic cities.

While celebrity appearances drew plenty of attention, the heartbeat of CBS Atlanta Fest was the introduction of CBS Atlanta’s groundbreaking AR/VR newsroom, led by Emmy Award-winning anchor and Atlanta native Jobina Fortson-Evans. The launch of this state-of-the-art operation officially introduced the city to immersive news coverage unlike anything Atlanta has seen before.

Premiering on September 15 with 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM newscasts, CBS Atlanta’s news division promises to transform how viewers connect with local journalism. Instead of traditional studio formats, Fortson-Evans delivers reports from a virtual set, allowing stories to unfold through hyper-realistic simulations, interactive visuals, and AR-enhanced data displays. From breaking news updates to complex topics like weather systems and civic issues, the immersive format is designed to make news not only more accessible but also more impactful.

“It’s an incredible honor to help shape CBS Atlanta’s voice and lead this groundbreaking newsroom,” Fortson-Evans said. “Atlanta is my home, and I’m deeply committed to telling stories that reflect the heart, complexity, and resilience of our community.”

For Fortson-Evans, this role represents both a homecoming and a history-making opportunity. A graduate of Howard University and recipient of a prestigious White House Correspondents’ Association scholarship, she has built an impressive career that includes stints at KGO-TV/ABC7 in San Francisco, WAVE 3 News in Louisville, and WMDT in Salisbury, Maryland. Most recently, she launched and hosted ATL Live, a daily lifestyle show on Atlanta News First, cementing her role as one of the city’s most trusted and familiar voices.

Now, as the anchor of CBS Atlanta’s flagship evening newscasts, she becomes the first in the region to deliver news fully through AR/VR technology. Her deep ties to the community ensure that even as CBS pushes the boundaries of what local news can look like, the stories remain rooted in the lived experiences of Atlantans.

“To be the first anchor in the region to deliver local news through a fully immersive AR/VR experience is both thrilling and humbling,” she shared. “This technology allows us to engage viewers in new ways—making the news more accessible, more visual, and more impactful than ever before.”

The station’s embrace of AR/VR news makes it the ninth CBS-owned station nationwide to adopt this next-generation approach and the third to broadcast all newscasts entirely in immersive format. It positions Atlanta alongside powerhouse markets like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco as part of CBS’s innovative network strategy.

Jennifer Mitchell, president of CBS Stations and CBS News and Stations Digital, emphasized the significance of the launch: “Atlanta is one of the most vibrant and dynamic news markets in the country, and we’re thrilled to officially launch CBS Atlanta’s newsroom in a way that sets us apart. It’s a chance to redefine how local news connects with the communities we serve. We’re listening, investing in innovation, and delivering news that is informative and resonates with everyone.”

This emphasis on innovation highlights not just a technological leap but also a cultural one. At a time when younger audiences are consuming news across social platforms and immersive media, CBS Atlanta is setting the stage for what the future of journalism could—and perhaps should—look like.

CBS Atlanta Fest was more than a corporate launch; it was a statement about Atlanta’s place in the national conversation. From Tyler Perry Studios to the booming film and television industry, Atlanta has become synonymous with creativity and cultural influence. By anchoring a groundbreaking newsroom here, CBS affirms what locals already know: Atlanta isn’t just following trends—it’s setting them.

The festival’s blend of Hollywood star power and cutting-edge journalism embodied this perfectly. Fans walked away with selfies, autographs, and memories of meeting their favorite actors, while Atlantans also witnessed the unveiling of a newsroom designed to reflect and amplify their stories in bold new ways.

As CBS Atlanta’s newsroom settles into its daily rhythm, the excitement of CBS Atlanta Fest continues to ripple across the community. For viewers, this is an invitation to see their city—and the world—through a new lens. For journalists, it is a reminder of the enduring importance of trust, accuracy, and storytelling, even as technology reshapes how stories are told.

Shawn Hoder, CBS Atlanta’s vice president and news director, summarized it best: “Our newsroom is built on the belief that local journalism thrives when led by people who know and care about the community. Jobina’s talent, integrity, and deep Atlanta roots make her the perfect choice to lead our coverage as we continue to expand our news operation.”

CBS Atlanta Fest proved that news can be both informative and immersive, that community and technology can intersect beautifully, and that Atlanta remains a city of firsts. With its AR/VR newsroom, star-powered festival, and commitment to innovation, CBS Atlanta has positioned itself not just as another local news station, but as a leader redefining what it means to tell stories in the modern age.

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Photo Credit Larry Cooper Fire Media Group ATL Selects

Photo Credit: Photo by Carol Lee Rose/Getty Images for Paramount+

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