Paul Cheung is leading the AP’s charge into virtual reality journalism. The recently announced partnership between AMD and the AP is the latest in a slew of stories about the media’s foray into VR.

Will you soon be watching the news on your VR goggles instead of your phone? We went to the source and Paul told us why virtual reality is the obvious next step for news, especially at the AP.

Mike: What’s your vision for virtual reality journalism? 

Paul: l believe VR and 360-degree video will be a natural extension of photos and videos, just like moving pictures going from black and white to color. It’s the way we see the world.

How will VR transform the way the AP and other media approach a story?

AP has a rich history of working with emerging technology over the past 170 years to bring the audience closer to the news. Virtual reality is one of the most immersive new approaches to storytelling, so it’s a natural fit with what we’re trying to accomplish.

What are some examples of great virtual reality journalism? What makes them work so well?

AP has been producing VR and 360 news experiences since last August. Our uses of virtual reality have included a behind-the-scenes, 360-degree look at UPS’s Worldport, a massive packaging and sorting facility in Louisville, Kentucky. We also produced a virtual reality video documenting migrants and refugees in Northern France hoping to make it across the English Channel to start a new life in the United Kingdom. The piece, called “Seeking Home,” is a collaboration with Ryot News.

Right now, we are focusing on our continuing experiment of how best to tell various story types in VR.

Will every section of the newsroom get VR stories, or will it be limited to certain topics?

It’s not a checklist, but we are soliciting good stories from the various sections of the newsroom. We have a variety of VR stories, from hard news to business news to events and entertainment.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about VR from producing these stories for the AP?

A lot of events and venues are geared for 180. For example, a fashion runway is designed for photos and not for 360-degree video or photos.

What’s the best set of VR goggles you’ve used so far?

I have only tried Oculus, Samsung, and various versions of Google Cardboard. Each has a different feel. It’s hard to say which is the best.

What could tech companies offer reporters to help build a virtual reality story?

Since I don’t write about VR, I’m not sure if I can provide great context. However, I am seeing stories about venture capital firms funding VR startups. If any tech company is funding anyone or is being funded, that seems to capture interest.

On another note, would love to see how various hardware and software can help minimize editing and post-production work.

Thanks, Paul. We have our VR cardboard ready for more immersive stories from the AP.

Now read more of our Media Q&As to learn what top editors are looking for.