CBS Baltimore Launches 10th AR/VR Studio for CBS Stations Group

New immersive technology transforms weather and sports coverage for Baltimore viewers.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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CBS Stations has announced the launch of its 10th cutting-edge Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) technology-driven studio at CBS Baltimore (WJZ-TV), debuting on February 23, 2026. The new AR/VR system will transform the station's weather and sports programming, allowing viewers to see and understand the real-world impact of conditions like flooding, snowfall, and shifting microclimates, as well as more dynamic sports analysis and visual storytelling.

Why it matters

The launch of the AR/VR studio marks an exciting new era for CBS Baltimore, allowing the station to meet its audience where they are and bring them closer to the stories that matter most through innovative technology. This follows the successful implementation of similar AR/VR studios in other major markets across the CBS Stations Group.

The details

The AR/VR weather coverage will be led by CBS Baltimore's veteran weather experts, including Steve Sosna, Cutter Martin, Rachael Jay, Marty Bass and Tim Williams. The AR/VR sports coverage will be led by sports director Alex Glaze and sports reporter Grace Grill. By combining trusted local journalism with this innovative technology, CBS Baltimore aims to create more immersive and engaging ways to help the community understand the stories that impact their daily lives.

  • The AR/VR studio will debut on Monday, February 23, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET.
  • The launch follows the successful implementation of similar AR/VR studios in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, the Bay Area, Denver, Texas, Miami and Atlanta.

The players

Tanya Black

Vice president and news director of CBS Baltimore.

Kathy Hostetter

President and general manager of CBS Baltimore.

Steve Sosna

CBS Baltimore weather expert.

Cutter Martin

CBS Baltimore weather expert.

Rachael Jay

CBS Baltimore weather expert.

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What they’re saying

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

— Tanya Black, Vice president and news director of CBS Baltimore (CBS Baltimore)

“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.”

— Kathy Hostetter, President and general manager of CBS Baltimore (CBS Baltimore)

What’s next

More AR/VR studios are expected to launch nationwide throughout 2026 as part of the CBS Stations Group's ongoing rollout of this technology.

The takeaway

The launch of the AR/VR studio at CBS Baltimore represents a significant step forward in how local news stations can leverage innovative technology to better engage and inform their viewers. By bringing weather, sports, and other critical information to life through immersive visuals, CBS Baltimore is setting a new standard for community-focused journalism in the digital age.