Key Points
- Local CBS stations will introduce augmented and virtual reality election centers across 15 local television markets on November 3.
- The technology will allow journalists to present election results, voter trends and ballot measures using three-dimensional graphics, interactive maps and virtual environments.
- Election coverage will be distributed through CBS-owned television stations and streaming platforms, including Paramount Plus, Pluto TV and CBS News 24/7.
CBS-owned television stations will introduce augmented-virtual reality election centers across more than a dozen markets on Tuesday, expanding its use of immersive studio technology for coverage of the 2026 midterm elections.
On Monday, CBS said the election centers will allow journalists to present election returns, ballot measures and voter trends using three-dimensional graphics, interactive maps and digitally generated environments.
The technology will be used across more than 20,000 square feet of studio space at its local TV stations in various markets like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas-Fort Worth, Boston, San Francisco, Sacramento and Baltimore.
The election centers are built on a proprietary augmented-virtual reality (AR/VR) platform developed by CBS News & Stations, which allows anchors and reporters to appear within computer-generated environments while presenting news and information.
The company began deploying the technology in 2023 at KPIX (Channel 5, CBS) in San Francisco, where its first AR/VR news studio was developed. The system has since expanded to other CBS-owned stations for weather, sports and general news coverage.
Jennifer Mitchell, the President of CBS Television Stations, said the election centers are intended to help viewers understand the significance of local races and ballot measures beyond the reported vote totals.
“Our AR/VR Election Centers combine innovative storytelling with the deep local knowledge of our news teams, helping audiences better understand the races, issues and outcomes that matter most where they live,” Mitchell said.
CBS said the virtual environments will allow journalists to examine election data through interactive visualizations, including geographic voting patterns and comparisons between races.
The station group operates 27 television stations across 17 major markets, reaching approximately 37 percent of U.S. television households. Its local news operations produce more than 41,000 hours of live programming annually.
The AR/VR rollout covers 15 markets where CBS has established virtual studio facilities, rather than every station individually.
Election coverage will be distributed through CBS-owned broadcast stations and digital platforms, including the CBS News website, Paramount Plus, Pluto TV and CBS News 24/7.
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