Atlanta Hawks Return to Peachtree TV
In a nostalgic nod to their broadcasting history, the Atlanta Hawks are making a significant return to Peachtree TV after a hiatus that spanned nearly three decades. The announcement marks a new chapter for the team's presence on local television, reviving a partnership reminiscent of the days when WPCH and WANF were home to the Hawks' broadcasts from 1972 to 1994 and 1986 to 1993, respectively.
New Broadcasting Schedule
Starting January 12, 2024, Peachtree TV is set to broadcast every Friday night game for the remainder of the Hawks' 2023-24 NBA season, with one exception. The channel will not air the game scheduled for March 8th but will instead cover the game against New Orleans on March 10th. This strategic move ensures that fans have consistent access to live games at the end of the week, a prime time for sports viewership.
The renewed partnership kicks off with a special arrangement where the first two games will be simulcast live on both Peachtree TV and WANF, offering a broader reach to the Hawks' diverse fan base. These games will also be accessible through major cable and satellite services, as well as various Gray TV stations across Georgia and Alabama, ensuring comprehensive coverage for regional supporters.
Production and Commentary Team
Fans can look forward to a familiar auditory experience as the Bally Sports Southeast production team will helm the commentary. The team includes notable figures such as Dominique Wilkins, Bob Rathbun, and Tabitha Turner, whose voices have become synonymous with the Hawks' televised games. Additionally, Baillie Burmaster, the Sports Director from WANF, will lend her expertise to the broadcasts, enriching the viewing experience with her insights.
Anticipated Matchups
The Hawks' schedule brims with anticipation as they face formidable opponents like the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers. These matchups are not just high-stakes games but also serve as a platform to engage both new and long-time supporters, as noted by Erik Schrader.
Moreover, Peachtree TV's commitment to basketball extends beyond the NBA, as it has been the broadcasting home of the College Park Skyhawks since 2019. This demonstrates the channel's dedication to fostering a comprehensive basketball culture in the region.
Recent Performance Analysis
Despite the excitement surrounding the broadcasting news, the Hawks are coming off a tough loss against the Sacramento Kings. A disappointing second-half performance saw key players Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic adding only a handful of points to the scoreboard. Overall, the team's field goal percentage plummeted to 28.9 percent, coupled with a meager three-point success rate of 21.7 percent during the latter half of the game. This slump underlines the need for a tactical shift, a sentiment echoed by the team's center, Clint Capela.
Executive and Coach Perspectives
The transition back to Peachtree TV has been met with enthusiasm from the Hawks' executive ranks. Andrew Saltzman, an executive with the Hawks, underscored the significance of this move, stating, "It provides fans a new, complimentary way to view the games." He also expressed gratitude towards Peachtree TV and Gray TV for enabling this partnership which he believes will greatly benefit the Hawks' local fan base by bringing the games back to broadcast television, thus enhancing accessibility for all fans.
From a coaching standpoint, head coach Quin Snyder emphasized the importance of "better execution and a collective approach" to overcome recent hurdles. As the team navigates the rest of the season, adjustments and improvements will be critical to leverage the heightened exposure and support from their broadcast partners and fans alike.
In conclusion, the Atlanta Hawks' return to Peachtree TV heralds a new era for the team's local broadcasting, promising increased accessibility and engagement with the fan base. While there's work to be done on the court, the off-court developments are poised to strengthen the community's bond with their beloved team as they push forward through the season.