CBS SACRAMENTO EXPANDS EMMY AWARD-WINNING “BEAR POLITICS” FRANCHISE INTO DEDICATED POLITICAL REPORTING UNIT

Political Reporters Steve Large and Darrielle Fair Join Political Analyst Gary Dietrich to Deliver Comprehensive Reporting Ahead of the Nov. 3 General Election

SKIM (Story, Key Facts, Impact, More Below)

• Story: CBS Sacramento has expanded the Emmy Award-winning Bear Politics franchise into a dedicated political reporting unit focused on state and local government, public policy, elections and the decisions affecting Californians.

• Key Facts: The expanded Bear Politics unit brings together political reporters Steve Large, Darrielle Fair and political analyst Gary Dietrich, who together will provide election coverage ahead of the Nov. 3 general election and throughout the year.

• Impact: Based in California's capital, Sacramento, Bear Politics will help audiences understand how the actions of elected officials, candidates and policymakers affect communities across the Sacramento region and the state.

• More Below: Read the full press release, including details about the team, election coverage and comments from CBS Sacramento leadership.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Oct. 22, 2026 - CBS Sacramento has expanded its Emmy Award-winning Bear Politics franchise into a dedicated political reporting unit, bringing together an experienced team of journalists to cover state and local government, public policy, elections and the decisions affecting Californians. The announcement was made by Scott Warren, regional president and general manager of CBS Sacramento and CBS Bay Area.

The unit includes CBS Sacramento political reporters Steve Large, Darrielle Fair and political analyst Gary Dietrich. Ahead of the Nov. 3 general election, Bear Politics will deliver reporting and analysis across CBS Sacramento's broadcasts, streaming coverage and digital platforms, helping audiences understand the candidates, issues and policy decisions shaping their communities.

The expansion builds on the Bear Politics franchise, which previously brought together journalists from CBS Sacramento and CBS Bay Area for in-depth reporting on the political battles and public policy issues shaping California, and won a regional Emmy Award in 2024. The franchise has now evolved into a dedicated, year-round CBS Sacramento reporting unit covering state and local government, elections and the issues affecting Californians.

"Sacramento is at the center of decisions that affect millions of Californians, and audiences deserve political reporting that extends beyond campaigns and election night," said Scott Warren, regional president and general manager of CBS Sacramento and CBS Bay Area. "The Bear Politics unit brings together an experienced team committed to asking consequential questions, providing meaningful context and helping people understand how decisions made at the Capitol and in their communities affect their daily lives."

Dietrich brings decades of experience in politics, public policy and campaigns to his role as political analyst. A graduate of Harvard Kennedy School, he previously served as a staff member in the California State Assembly and California State Senate and has worked on campaigns ranging from legislative contests to presidential races.

Large and Fair provide ongoing coverage of local and statewide issues, political leaders and elections. Together with Dietrich, they will deliver original reporting, interviews and analysis under the Bear Politics banner during election season, on election night and throughout the year.

Bear Politics reporting will be featured across CBS Sacramento's broadcasts and digital platforms and throughout the station's election coverage leading up to and following the Nov. 3 general election. You can watch all reporting and coverage athttps://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

What is Bear Politics at CBS Sacramento?

Bear Politics is CBS Sacramento's political reporting franchise, now a dedicated unit covering state and local government, public policy and elections in California. The unit includes political reporters Steve Large and Darrielle Fair and political analyst Gary Dietrich.

How is Bear Politics different from before?

Bear Politics is now a dedicated, year-round CBS Sacramento reporting unit. Previously, it brought together journalists from CBS Sacramento and CBS Bay Area to report on political and public policy issues shaping California and won a regional Emmy Award in 2024.

What will Bear Politics cover ahead of the Nov. 3 general election?

Bear Politics will deliver original reporting, interviews and analysis on the candidates, issues and policy decisions shaping California communities.

Where can I watch Bear Politics?

Bear Politics reporting will appear across CBS Sacramento's broadcasts, streaming coverage and digital platforms. Coverage is available at https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/.

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Media Contact:

Elita Fielder Adjei | Senior Vice President, Communications, CBS Television Stations

[email protected]