The Atlanta Hawks are making a much-anticipated comeback to Peachtree TV (WPCH) in Atlanta after a nearly three-decade hiatus. Starting January 12, 2024, with their game against the Indiana Pacers, Peachtree TV will showcase every Friday night Hawks game for the rest of the 2023-24 NBA season, excluding their March 8th game in Memphis. Instead, the channel will air the game against New Orleans on March 10.
This move marks a significant return for the Hawks, reconnecting with a partner that broadcasted their games from 1972-1994 on WPCH (formerly WTCG/WTBS) and 1986-1993 on WANF (formerly WGNX/WGCL). The first two games of this new arrangement, including the January 12 matchup against Indiana and the January 19 game in Miami, will be aired live on both Peachtree TV and Gray TV's CBS affiliate WANF (Atlanta News First).
Andrew Saltzman, executive vice president/chief revenue officer of the Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena, expressed excitement about the deal. He said it provides fans a new, complimentary way to view the games. He also thanked Peachtree TV and Gray TV for facilitating this partnership, which he believes will benefit the Hawks' local fan base on their traditional broadcast platform.
Reaching wider audience
Under this new agreement, live Hawks games will reach a wider audience in Atlanta through Peachtree TV's free broadcasts and availability on major cable and satellite TV services like Xfinity, Spectrum, DirecTV, and DISH Network. The games will also be simulcast across various Gray TV stations in Georgia and Alabama, courtesy of the Gray-owned Peachtree Sports Network.
WANF/WPCH VP/GN Erik Schrader shared his enthusiasm for bringing the Hawks back to broadcast television. He emphasized the accessibility it provides to all fans. Schrader also highlighted the opportunity this presents for engaging new audiences and catering to long-time supporters.
These games are available for local broadcasting due to an NBA agreement with Diamond Sports Group, the owner of Bally Sports Southeast. The Bally Sports Southeast production team, along with the on-air crew featuring Dominique Wilkins, Bob Rathbun and Tabitha Turner, will be covering these games. Additional on-air talent from Peachtree TV and WANF, including Sports Director Baillie Burmaster, will contribute to the broadcasts.
The Hawks' Friday night schedule features both home and away games, with standout matchups against teams like the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers. Additionally, the March 10 game against the New Orleans Pelicans will also be televised on Peachtree TV.
Since 2019, Peachtree TV has been the official broadcaster for the Hawks' G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks. Fans can access the full Hawks broadcast schedule at AtlantaNewsFirst.com/Hawks and the complete season schedule at nba.com/hawks/schedule.
Poor in-court performance
Despite the Hawks' recent positive development in securing a broadcasting deal with Peachtree TV, the team's on-court performance has been a cause for concern.
The Hawks, who once enjoyed a significant 23-point lead against the Sacramento Kings, witnessed a drastic turnaround as they were outscored 64-39 in the second half. This collapse in form, resulting in a loss at home, highlights deeper issues within the team, particularly in their offensive execution.
The Hawks' shooting accuracy sharply declined in the latter half of the game, with key players Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic struggling to contribute effectively. Murray managed only two points, while Bogdanovic added just three in the second half. Overall, their field goal percentage dipped to 28.9 percent, coupled with a mere 21.7 percent success rate from three-point territory.
The situation calls for introspection and a strategic overhaul. Hawks head coach Quin Snyder, in his post-game remarks, pointed out the necessity for better execution and a collective approach to resolve these issues. Similarly, center Clint Capela's candid comments after the game underscored the team's frustration and the urgent need for a tactical shift.