Inside the Future of Local News: KCAL Unveils Tech-Driven Studio and Vision at CBS Los Angeles
- Jessica Ross
- Jul 27
- 5 min read
By Jessica Ross
The morning was charged with energy and innovation as media professionals, journalists, and content creators gathered at KCAL Studios for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience hosted by CBS Los Angeles. Set in the heart of Studio City, this immersive event offered guests a rare opportunity to tour one of the most advanced local newsrooms in the country and engage directly with the people redefining the future of broadcast journalism.
As the doors opened, guests were welcomed with a warm breakfast and a chance to connect with peers before beginning the dynamic morning program. From immersive storytelling in a state-of-the-art AR/VR studio to candid conversations with the network’s top leaders, every moment reflected a clear mission: to inform, inspire, and innovate.
CBS Los Angeles President Tim Wieland opened the morning with welcoming remarks before joining KCAL News Mornings anchor Sheba Turk for a fireside chat. In his first year since relocating from Denver to helm both CBS Los Angeles and CBS Colorado, Wieland has wasted no time making his vision for local news a reality.
“We have thought a lot about what we can genuinely offer the audience here that is different from what our competitors are doing,” Wieland explained. “And number one for us was the next weather alert system, which alerts the audience in a bold way to make changes in the weather or dangerous weather.”
This commitment to hyperlocal forecasting goes well beyond general conditions. “We develop geographic boundaries around the alert system, and then we develop something we call next neighborhood, which is micro climate forecasting,” he continued. “When you watch our forecast, we're cognizant of the fact that our viewers are from all over Southern California, and we want to make sure that the forecast really reflects that.”
Part of this initiative includes bringing meteorologists into the communities they serve. “I love that we see our meteorologists each week out in a different community doing the forecast,” Wieland said. His emphasis on human connection—combined with next-generation tech—was a recurring theme throughout the event.
After the discussion, guests were introduced to the heartbeat of the newsroom: “The Desk.” Producers Mike Rogers and Mark Liu offered a glimpse into the real-time coordination and editorial decision-making that shapes every broadcast. Their presence on-air adds transparency and immediacy to breaking news coverage, building trust with viewers.
From there, attendees were guided through a studio tour while KCAL broadcasted live on air. Phones were set aside, and the room buzzed with quiet admiration as guests observed the streamlined choreography between anchors, producers, and camera operators. The seamless execution reflected a newsroom both rooted in experience and primed for evolution.
Next came a dive into the network’s AR/VR technology with meteorologist Paul Deanno. The studio—spanning 3,400 square feet—is the largest of its kind in the CBS Stations Group. It boasts advanced storytelling capabilities and a visual experience that’s both compelling and cutting-edge.
CBS Stations President Jennifer Mitchell, who has been instrumental in leading the network’s AR/VR rollout across 15 stations nationwide, shared a personal and powerful account of what drives her passion for impactful local journalism.
“I don't share this story a lot, but I think it's relevant, because I want you to understand how this team feels these stories so personally… My home was burned in the fires in the Palisades,” Mitchell revealed. “There were so many questions that people had… The hours and hours and hours of continuous coverage, the tireless work of our reporters out in the field so close to the fires… I’m so proud of the work that they did.”
Her words resonated with the room, adding emotional weight to the station’s mission of service and resilience. Mitchell also spoke about the network’s future focus on 24/7 streaming news channels, bringing local coverage to digital-first audiences around the clock.
Another highlight of the morning was the presentation on KCAL Cares and Rebuilding SoCal, initiatives that reinforce the station’s dedication to community uplift. News Director Matt Goldberg and anchor Jamie Yuccas discussed how the station goes beyond the headlines to foster real dialogue and change.
“That’s what’s great about KCAL Cares—being able to sit down with people and communicate directly, is hearing their stories,” Goldberg noted. His words underscored the station’s belief that journalism is not just about reporting, but about listening and building relationships.
As the morning concluded, it was clear that CBS Los Angeles isn’t just delivering the news—it’s reshaping the way it’s experienced. From microclimate forecasts tailored to neighborhoods to augmented reality graphics that bring storytelling to life, the network is pioneering a new era of journalism.
“The KCAL Cares media event was so more than a celebration — it was a reminder of purpose and resilience. After surviving a traumatic brain injury and losing my home in a fire, my journey of healing has shaped my mission to uplift others through youth and wellness advocacy. I’m grateful for the KCAL team’s warmth, authenticity, and leadership. Their commitment to innovation while honoring human connection is rare — and truly inspiring”, says Actress, Host & Advocate , Brenda Mejia.
This event served as a compelling preview of what’s next: a future where technology, compassion, and local accountability come together to empower communities and elevate the standard for local news.
For more on KCAL News , visit www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/
Photos by Brenda Mejia
Heart Of Hollywood Magazine Contributor Jessica Ross:
Since August 2022, Jessica Ross has been a contributor at Heart of Hollywood Magazine. Recent work includes Hollywood Unexpected airing on the XOTV Network digitally and broadcast and a starring role in the upcoming suspense thriller, Mr. Smith. Recently, she was a lead and co-producer in "Chasing Stars", a comedic-drama with an all female cast and crew.
Center Stage, Vegas Unlimited, Indie Activity, Action Magazine, Voyage LA, Cinderella of New York, Juwai, Bizbooast, Heart of Hollywood, JAMO Magazine, Entertainment Network Live, It Can By You, Livein Style Magazine, BuzzFeed and CBS are just a few of the media outlets she has been featured on.
Email: Jessicaross2030@gmail.com
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