WUPA, the new CBS affiliate in Atlanta, Georgia, will debut two new newscasts from an extended reality set September 15, 2025. The station, operating as a CBS-owned independent until August 15, 2025, assumed the CBS affiliation the following day, replacing Gray Media’s WANF. CBS subsequently announced a local news and weather operation under the banner CBS Atlanta.
WUPA completed construction on a green screen studio enabling local news and weather production from a virtual and augmented reality set. This setup mirrors those at other CBS stations nationwide, frequently used for weather and, in some cases, as the primary set for news and sports. Jobina Fortson-Evans anchors the 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts. “Our newsroom is built on the belief that local journalism thrives when led by people who know and care about the community,” said Shawn Hoder, vice president and news director of CBS Atlanta. “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.” Fortson-Evans joins CBS Atlanta after hosting “ATL Live” on WANF. WUPA has aired local weather cut-ins during “CBS Mornings” since August 18, 2025.
To accommodate the virtual set, CBS expanded a WUPA studio, installing specialized camera tracking technology and software. CBS Atlanta highlights its virtual set as a first for an Atlanta local station. CBS News and Stations have significantly invested in virtual and augmented reality sets, equipping owned stations with green screen studios and extended reality technology. These stations commonly use a similar virtual set—a rounded space with simulated skylines. Wood-toned vertical slats featuring oversized CBS eye logos are also standard. While most retain a physical set, KTVT in Dallas–Ft. Worth primarily uses its virtual setup since 2025. Beyond the background, augmented reality elements allow interaction with on-screen graphics. CBS also uses alternative virtual sets, such as a simulated arena for NCAA basketball segments.