Expert Interviews: immersive AR/VR by 2028?

The news cycle spins faster than ever, and with it, the demand for authoritative voices has skyrocketed. We crave understanding, context, and foresight, making interviews with experts more vital than ever in 2026. But how will these critical conversations evolve? The future of expert interviews in news isn’t just about who we talk to; it’s about how, where, and why we engage them, fundamentally reshaping how information is disseminated and consumed. Are we on the cusp of an expert interview renaissance, or will new technologies fundamentally alter their very nature?

The Rise of Immersive and Interactive Formats

Gone are the days when a static video call or a pre-recorded audio clip would suffice for engaging expert commentary. As a news editor who’s been in this industry for over two decades, I’ve seen the shift from phone calls to satellite feeds, and now, we’re on the precipice of something far more transformative. We’re talking about interviews that aren’t just seen or heard, but experienced. Immersive journalism, powered by augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), is no longer a fringe concept; it’s becoming a mainstream expectation for how news organizations will present expert insights.

Imagine a climate scientist explaining the impact of rising sea levels not from a studio, but from a virtual rendering of a submerged Miami Beach, complete with data overlays and real-time simulations. Or a cybersecurity expert demonstrating a complex exploit within a virtual network environment, allowing viewers to “walk through” the attack vector. This isn’t science fiction; prototypes are already being tested by major news organizations. Reuters, for instance, has been experimenting with immersive storytelling for years, providing a glimpse into this future. The key here is not just visual appeal, but the ability to convey complex, data-rich information in a way that is immediately understandable and deeply engaging. This level of interaction fosters a much stronger connection between the expert, the information, and the audience, making the learning experience more profound. It’s about moving beyond passive consumption to active engagement.

AI’s Dual Role: Enhancer and Disruptor

Artificial intelligence is undeniably shaping every facet of news production, and interviews with experts are no exception. On one hand, AI will be an indispensable enhancer, streamlining many of the labor-intensive aspects of expert engagement. I vividly recall a time when preparing for a technical interview meant days poring over dense academic papers and whitepapers. Now, AI-powered research assistants can synthesize vast amounts of information, identify key trends, and even suggest incisive questions based on an expert’s past publications or public statements. This allows journalists to walk into interviews far better prepared, focusing on deeper insights rather than basic fact-finding. Tools like Veritone aiWARE, for example, are already assisting with transcription and content analysis, and their capabilities will only grow.

However, AI also presents a disruptive force. The proliferation of AI-generated expert commentary – deepfakes of voices and even video – poses a significant challenge to authenticity and trust. News organizations will need to invest heavily in robust verification technologies and clear disclosure policies. Furthermore, the rise of sophisticated AI chatbots that can “mimic” expert knowledge raises questions about the very definition of an “expert.” While I firmly believe that genuine human insight, critical thinking, and the ability to adapt to unforeseen questions will always distinguish a human expert, the lines will undoubtedly blur for less discerning audiences. We must be vigilant; the temptation to use AI to fill knowledge gaps quickly will be immense, but the ethical implications are profound. My editorial team, for one, has a zero-tolerance policy for any AI-generated content presented as human expertise without explicit, front-and-center disclosure.

The Evolving Definition of “Expertise” and Sourcing Challenges

The traditional notion of an “expert” – often a tenured professor or a well-known industry leader – is broadening, and frankly, fragmenting. The internet has democratized knowledge to an extent, giving rise to what I call “micro-experts” – individuals with deep, specialized knowledge in incredibly niche fields. Think of a TikTok creator who understands the intricacies of quantum computing ethics, or a Reddit user who has reverse-engineered a complex supply chain issue. These individuals might not have traditional academic credentials, but their practical, real-world expertise is invaluable.

Sourcing these experts presents both an opportunity and a challenge for newsrooms. We can no longer rely solely on established academic institutions or think tanks. We must cast a wider net, utilizing advanced social listening tools and professional networks to identify these emerging voices. This requires a shift in mindset: prioritizing demonstrated knowledge and clear communication over traditional titles. Our newsroom recently faced this challenge when covering a sudden surge in localized cyberattacks targeting small businesses in the Smyrna business district. Instead of immediately calling a national cybersecurity firm, we sought out local IT consultants and even a couple of independent ethical hackers who had been tracking similar patterns in the area. Their on-the-ground insights were far more pertinent and timely than any generalized national commentary could have provided. This approach, while more labor-intensive initially, yielded significantly more authoritative and relevant content for our local audience.

Furthermore, the demand for diverse perspectives means actively seeking out experts from underrepresented communities and geographies. The Pew Research Center has consistently highlighted the importance of diversity in media, and this extends directly to who we choose to interview. A broader range of voices enriches the dialogue and provides a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues. It’s not just about ticking a box; it’s about ensuring our reporting reflects the full spectrum of human experience and thought.

Authenticity, Transparency, and Trust: The New Gold Standard

In an era rife with misinformation and declining public trust in institutions, the authenticity and transparency of experts – and the news organizations that feature them – will become the ultimate differentiator. Audiences are increasingly savvy; they can spot a talking head regurgitating corporate talking points from a mile away. The future of successful expert interviews lies in showcasing genuine, unvarnished insight.

This means prioritizing experts who can communicate complex ideas in a relatable, jargon-free manner. It also means being transparent about any potential conflicts of interest the expert might have. A financial analyst discussing a particular stock should disclose any holdings. A medical doctor discussing a new drug should disclose any ties to the pharmaceutical company. This isn’t about discrediting the expert; it’s about empowering the audience to evaluate the information through an informed lens. As journalists, our role is to facilitate this transparency, not to obscure it. I’ve personally seen interviews go sideways when an expert’s undisclosed affiliations came to light post-broadcast. It erodes trust, not just in the expert, but in our news organization. We now have a rigorous vetting process that includes reviewing an expert’s public disclosures and, if necessary, asking direct questions about potential conflicts before they ever go on air.

Beyond individual experts, news organizations themselves must uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity in their presentation of expert commentary. This includes fact-checking rigorously, providing context, and avoiding sensationalism. The public craves reliable information, and the news outlets that consistently deliver it, by featuring truly credible and transparent experts, will be the ones that thrive. The days of simply finding someone with a fancy title are over; we need individuals who can not only speak with authority but also connect with an audience on a human level, building bridges of understanding rather than walls of academic detachment. For a deeper dive into the importance of verifiable information, consider Veritas Media Insights.

The Evolution of Interview Tools and Platforms

The tools we use for conducting interviews are evolving at a rapid pace, moving far beyond Zoom and basic video conferencing. While those platforms remain foundational, the demand for higher fidelity, greater interactivity, and more robust collaboration features is pushing innovation. We’re seeing the integration of professional-grade teleprompters and lighting systems that can be controlled remotely, allowing experts to present themselves professionally from any location. Technologies like Riverside.fm are setting new standards for remote recording quality, capturing high-resolution audio and video tracks independently, ensuring broadcast-ready content regardless of internet fluctuations.

Furthermore, the integration of real-time data visualization tools directly into interview platforms will become commonplace. Imagine an economist discussing inflation while a dynamic, interactive graph of consumer price index data updates live on screen, controlled by either the interviewer or the expert. This immediate visual context eliminates the need for post-production graphics and allows for more spontaneous and data-driven discussions. For me, the biggest game-changer has been the ability to integrate live audience questions directly into the interview flow, not just in a separate chat window, but visually on screen. This transforms a one-way broadcast into a dynamic, participatory event, making the expert interview feel more like a live town hall than a traditional news segment. It also holds the expert accountable in real-time, which is a good thing for everyone involved. This shift is part of a larger trend where deep dive journalism seeks to provide richer context and engagement.

The future of interviews with experts is not just about adopting new technology; it’s about fundamentally rethinking how we connect knowledge with the public, prioritizing depth, authenticity, and engagement above all else. This approach is key to restoring news trust in 2026 and beyond.