KCBS/KCAL Plans More Local TV, and How It Will Use a New AR/VR Studio
After nine months at the helm of CBS’ KCBS/KCAL duopoly in Los Angeles, Tim Wieland is ready to ramp up the focus on local programming. In a recent meeting with reporters, Wieland expressed his enthusiasm for expanding beyond the current news-centric lineup to include a wider variety of in-house productions tailored to the community.
Wieland, who now serves as regional president and general manager for both CBS Los Angeles and CBS Colorado (KCNC), made the move from Denver to Southern California to take on his expanded role. Despite being relatively new to the area, he has already witnessed the impact of major local stories like the Pacific Palisades and Altadena fires, which garnered unprecedented viewership across all platforms.
In response to the community’s hunger for information, Wieland introduced the “Rebuilding SoCal” initiative at KCBS/KCAL, dedicating a team of reporters to cover the aftermath of the fires for an extended period. This commitment to ongoing coverage sets a new standard for the station and demonstrates a dedication to serving the community beyond just breaking news.
In addition to the “Rebuilding SoCal” initiative, KCBS/KCAL unveiled a cutting-edge AR/VR studio, the first of its kind in Southern California. This technology is not just a gimmick, according to Wieland, but a tool to enhance storytelling and provide viewers with a deeper understanding of local weather patterns and geography.
CBS Stations president Jennifer Mitchell echoed Wieland’s sentiments about the importance of technology in advancing storytelling, emphasizing the potential for immersive experiences in news coverage. The AR/VR initiative is set to expand to all 15 CBS stations, with a focus on enhancing weather, sports, and traffic reporting.
Mitchell also highlighted the “CBS News California Investigates” initiative, a collaborative effort with CBS stations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento. This dedication to in-depth investigative reporting reflects a commitment to going beyond surface-level news coverage and delving into important issues that affect the community.
Overall, Wieland and his team at KCBS/KCAL are dedicated to providing the Los Angeles community with comprehensive, engaging, and informative local programming that goes beyond traditional news coverage. By embracing new technologies and innovative storytelling techniques, they are setting a new standard for local news in the digital age. In a world where news is constantly evolving, staying connected to local communities is more important than ever. At KCBS/KCAL, this connection is taken to a whole new level with embedded journalists in specific areas and cities, ensuring that the news is not just reported, but truly understood and felt by the people it impacts.
As the General Manager of KCBS/KCAL reflects on the past year, she highlights the challenges faced and the importance of their work, especially during times of crisis. When wildfires ravaged the state, their reporters were on the front lines, providing continuous coverage and showcasing the dedication and bravery of journalists who put themselves in harm’s way to bring information to the public.
One of the ways KCBS/KCAL is pushing the boundaries of journalism is through their new AR/VR studio. This state-of-the-art technology allows viewers to immerse themselves in the news like never before, bringing stories to life in a way that is both informative and engaging.
The commitment to community, the dedication to quality reporting, and the embrace of cutting-edge technology all come together to define KCBS/KCAL as a leader in the world of news broadcasting. As they continue to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing media landscape, one thing remains clear – their passion for journalism and serving the public is unwavering.
