Atlanta Hawks Rekindle Partnership with Peachtree TV
In a nostalgic move that harkens back to the days of local broadcast sports, the Atlanta Hawks are set to make their return to Peachtree TV after a hiatus of nearly three decades. This development heralds a new era for fans who will once again enjoy the thrill of live basketball on a familiar channel.
Starting January 12, 2024, Peachtree TV is bringing every Friday night Hawks game to the living rooms of fans for the remainder of the 2023-24 NBA season, with the exception of the March 8th matchup. Instead, the channel will feature the game against New Orleans Pelicans on March 10th, ensuring continuous coverage of the Hawks' pursuit of victory.
The broadcast history of the Hawks is rich, with WPCH providing coverage from 1972 until 1994 and WANF from 1986 to 1993. In celebration of the renewed partnership, the first two games will be simulcast on both Peachtree TV and WANF, offering a broad platform for viewers to engage with the games.
Fans across Georgia and Alabama can look forward to accessing live Hawks games not only on Peachtree TV but also through major cable and satellite services, as well as various Gray TV stations, expanding the reach of the broadcasts significantly.
Production Team and Broadcast Talent
The games will boast the expertise of the Bally Sports Southeast production team, which includes luminaries such as Dominique Wilkins, Bob Rathbun, and Tabitha Turner. Their commentary is set to bring the action to life, adding depth and insight to each play. Additionally, Baillie Burmaster, the Sports Director from WANF, will lend her talents to the broadcasts, further enhancing the viewing experience.
The Hawks' Friday night lineup promises to deliver high-stakes basketball as they face formidable opponents like the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers. These matchups are certain to be circled on calendars by fans anticipating the intense competition.
Since 2019, Peachtree TV has also been the home of the College Park Skyhawks, the G League affiliate of the Hawks, demonstrating the channel's commitment to showcasing local basketball talent.
Recent On-Court Struggles
Despite the excitement surrounding the broadcasting news, the Hawks have faced recent challenges on the court. A notable setback came at the hands of the Sacramento Kings, where the Hawks relinquished a significant lead due to a second-half slump. Key players Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic were unable to maintain their momentum, contributing a mere two and three points respectively after halftime.
The team's shooting accuracy took a nosedive, with a field goal percentage plummeting to 28.9 percent and a three-point success rate of just 21.7 percent in the latter stages of the game. This performance highlighted areas needing improvement if the Hawks are to bounce back and fulfill their potential.
Executive Insights and Future Outlook
Andrew Saltzman, an executive with the Hawks, expressed his enthusiasm about the deal with Peachtree TV, noting its significance for fans: "It provides fans a new, complimentary way to view the games," said Saltzman. He continued to express gratitude towards the involved parties: "Thank you to Peachtree TV and Gray TV." Saltzman believes this partnership will greatly benefit the Hawks' local fan base.
Erik Schrader echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of accessibility for all fans and the potential for reaching new audiences while still catering to long-time supporters. Schrader sees the return to broadcast television as a positive step for community engagement.
On the coaching front, Quin Snyder stressed the need for "better execution and a collective approach" to overcome the team's current hurdles. Meanwhile, player Clint Capela candidly spoke about the "team's frustration and the urgent need for a tactical shift" to address recent on-court issues.
The partnership between the Atlanta Hawks and Peachtree TV marks a significant moment for the franchise and its fans, promising to bring the excitement of NBA basketball into more homes while strengthening the community's connection to their team. As the Hawks navigate through the season, the support of their broadcast partners and the loyalty of their fans will be crucial to their success on and off the court.