Hawks Return to Peachtree TV
In a nostalgic twist for Atlanta basketball fans, the Atlanta Hawks are making a grand return to Peachtree TV after nearly three decades. Starting January 12, 2024, Peachtree TV is set to broadcast every Friday night game of the Hawks for the remainder of the 2023-24 NBA season, with the sole exception being the March 8th game.
Instead, viewers can look forward to the channel airing the game against the New Orleans team on March 10th. This marks a significant shift in local sports broadcasting, as the Hawks games were previously aired by WPCH from 1972 until 1994 and by WANF from 1986 to 1993.
The initial two games under this new partnership will be simulcast live on both Peachtree TV and WANF, ensuring a broad reach across different platforms.
Broadening Accessibility
Fans won’t be limited to watching the Hawks on Peachtree TV alone; the games will also be accessible through major cable and satellite services, as well as various Gray TV stations throughout Georgia and Alabama. This multi-platform approach ensures that more fans than ever before can tune in to support their team.
The broadcasts will feature the familiar voices of the Bally Sports Southeast production team, including basketball legend Dominique Wilkins, Bob Rathbun, and Tabitha Turner. Adding to the depth of coverage, Baillie Burmaster, Sports Director from WANF, will be joining the broadcast team to provide her insights.
As part of the Friday night lineup, the Hawks are scheduled to face formidable opponents such as the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers, promising a series of exciting matchups for viewers to enjoy.
Peachtree TV is no stranger to basketball, having broadcasted the College Park Skyhawks since 2019. This expansion to include the Hawks games further cements the channel's commitment to bringing local sports to fans across the region.
Recent On-Court Struggles
Despite the excitement surrounding the broadcasting news, the Hawks have faced recent challenges on the court. A significant lead was squandered in a disappointing loss to the Sacramento Kings, primarily due to a lackluster performance in the second half. Key players Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic struggled to find their rhythm, contributing only two and three points respectively after halftime.
The team’s shooting accuracy took a nosedive, with field goal percentages plummeting to 28.9 percent and three-point success rates dropping to a mere 21.7 percent in the latter stages of the game. These statistics highlight the need for improvement in execution and strategy moving forward.
Industry Reactions
Enthusiasm about the new broadcasting deal has been vocalized by several figures within the industry. Andrew Saltzman, an executive associated with the Hawks, expressed his delight, stating, "It provides fans a new, complimentary way to view the games." He continued, "We're excited about the deal," and extended gratitude by adding, "Thank you to Peachtree TV and Gray TV." Saltzman underscored the benefits of the partnership, emphasizing that it will serve the Hawks' local fan base well.
Erik Schrader shared a similar sentiment, focusing on the increased accessibility for fans. "Bringing the Hawks back to broadcast television provides accessibility to all fans," he noted. Schrader also pointed out the potential for growth, mentioning, "There's an opportunity for engaging new audiences and catering to long-time supporters."
On the coaching front, Quin Snyder underscored the importance of better execution and a collective approach in light of the team's recent setbacks. Meanwhile, player Clint Capela spoke candidly about the team's frustration and stressed the urgent need for a tactical shift to get back on track.
As the Hawks prepare for their upcoming games, the newly announced broadcast arrangement with Peachtree TV offers a silver lining, promising fans wider access and the joy of following their team through a historic medium. The team's leadership and players are evidently aware of the on-court issues and seem prepared to address them head-on, aiming to deliver performances that match the enthusiasm of their loyal fan base.