Jobina Fortson-Evans Leads CBS Atlanta into the Future of News
Atlanta is no stranger to making history, but this September the city added another first to its list. On September 15, CBS Atlanta launched its brand-new newsroom and debuted a state-of-the-art AR/VR news studio—the first of its kind in the region. Leading the charge is Jobina Fortson-Evans, a three-time Emmy Award winner and proud Atlanta native who now anchors CBS Atlanta’s evening newscasts at 6 PM and 11 PM.
News Like You’ve Never Seen It
The newscasts aren’t your typical broadcasts. Instead of traditional backdrops and graphics, the AR/VR technology places viewers inside the story, from storm systems you can almost feel to civic issues broken down in dynamic, visual ways. It’s the kind of innovation that turns headlines into experiences.
Guiding viewers through it all is Fortson-Evans, whose voice, warmth, and credibility make her the perfect choice to usher in this new era. “Atlanta is my home, and I’m deeply committed to telling stories that reflect the heart, complexity, and resilience of our community,” she said.
CBS Atlanta Fest: A Celebration to Remember
The launch wasn’t just about cameras rolling—it came with a full-on celebration. CBS Atlanta Fest marked the occasion with star power and fanfare, featuring network talent from hit shows including Beyond The Gates, Tyler Perry’s The Oval, Tyler Perry’s Sistas, Tyler Perry’s Ruthless, Tyler Perry’s Zatima, The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, and more. The event celebrated Atlanta’s arrival on the national stage as a hub for next-generation news while connecting local audiences with the faces they love from CBS.
A Career Built for This Moment
Fortson-Evans isn’t new to breaking ground. A Howard University graduate, she once stood in the White House to accept a Correspondents’ Association scholarship from President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Her career has taken her from ATL Live in her hometown to newsrooms in San Francisco, Louisville, and Maryland. Now, she’s back in Atlanta, anchoring history.
“To be the first anchor in the region to deliver local news through a fully immersive AR/VR experience is both thrilling and humbling,” Fortson-Evans shared. “This technology allows us to engage viewers in new ways—making the news more accessible, more visual, and more impactful than ever before.”
Setting the Tone for the Future
With Atlanta joining New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago as part of the CBS stations using AR/VR innovation, the city’s newsroom is setting the standard for how local news can evolve. As Vice President and News Director Shawn Hoder said: “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.”
From immersive storytelling to a star-studded festival, CBS Atlanta is proving that this is more than just a launch—it’s a statement. Atlanta deserves news that matches its energy, innovation, and culture, and Jobina Fortson-Evans is the anchor making that vision real.
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