VRTUALLY THERE

An immersive storytelling platform exploring how emerging technology could deepen connection and empathy.

VRtually There began with a conviction: that virtual reality, handled thoughtfully, could allow people to experience stories—not just consume them.

Working at the intersection of journalism, technology, and human emotion, I helped shape one of the earliest VR storytelling platforms in news media. The work required translating editorial instincts into spatial experiences, navigating technical constraints, and maintaining journalistic integrity in an entirely new medium.

The platform became a proof point for how emerging technology could serve journalism’s core mission: helping people understand experiences beyond their own.

My Role

Shaping the editorial and product vision for immersive storytelling
Translating traditional journalism principles into spatial, interactive experiences
Building partnerships across newsroom, technology, and external platforms
Navigating the balance between innovation and credibility

What Made It Hard

Working in a medium with no established norms or best practices
Technical limitations of early VR hardware and distribution
Convincing skeptical colleagues that the effort served journalism’s mission
Balancing emotional impact with journalistic responsibility

What Changed

Award-winning work that validated immersive journalism’s potential
New capabilities and confidence within the newsroom
Industry recognition that influenced how others approached VR storytelling
A repeatable framework for evaluating and pursuing emerging platforms

VRtually There showed that journalism could lead in emerging media—not by chasing novelty, but by asking how new forms might deepen understanding and human connection.