ABC News announced the release of a VR experience now available on Jaunt VR’s iOS and Android apps. The video follows ABC News’ Alexander Marquardt as he reports on curatorial efforts to preserve endangered antiquities in Damascus, Syria, the capital of the country that has been embroiled in both a civil war and a fight against ISIS for some four years. ISIS in particular has repeatedly targeted and destroyed culturally and historically significant sites in Syria.

The press release that accompanied the announcement labeled the Damascus experience ABC News’ “inaugural project,” meaning that more VR content is likely forthcoming. The footage was shot with “one of Jaunt’s stereographic cinematic VR cameras”, although Jaunt VR tells us not their new high-end 360 stereoscopic camera NEO. The new initiative’s launch coincides with content to be aired on ABC’s “World News Tonight” and “Nightline” programs.

Jaunt_logo_CMYK_Dark
ABC News partnered with JauntVR for the new VR News initiative

The press release consists of a note-to-staff by ABC News president James Goldston; in it, he affirms that his staff will receive free Google Cardboards, perhaps a sign that ABC News wants its staff to have some personal knowledge of the technology behind the new piece.

ABC News’ move into original VR content is not exactly surprising; the New York Times, along with other new outlets, has released VR pieces in the last year. Look for this trend to continue as more news media organizations seek to exploit VR’s immersive storytelling power.

Newsletter graphic

This article may contain affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product we may receive a small commission which helps support the publication. More information.


Based in the UK, Paul has been immersed in interactive entertainment for the best part of 27 years and has followed advances in gaming with a passionate fervour. His obsession with graphical fidelity over the years has had him branded a ‘graphics whore’ (which he views as the highest compliment) more than once and he holds a particular candle for the dream of the ultimate immersive gaming experience. Having followed and been disappointed by the original VR explosion of the 90s, he then founded RiftVR.com to follow the new and exciting prospect of the rebirth of VR in products like the Oculus Rift. Paul joined forces with Ben to help build the new Road to VR in preparation for what he sees as VR’s coming of age over the next few years.