Atlanta Hawks Rekindle Partnership with Peachtree TV
In a nostalgic turn of events, the Atlanta Hawks are set to make a grand return to Peachtree TV, re-establishing a partnership that's been dormant for nearly three decades. This move marks a significant shift in the broadcasting landscape for the Hawks, whose games have not aired on this channel since 1994.
New Broadcast Schedule Announced
Starting January 12, 2024, Peachtree TV will become the new home for every Friday night Hawks game for the remainder of the 2023-24 NBA season, with one exception. The game originally scheduled for March 8th will not be broadcast; instead, fans can look forward to the matchup against New Orleans on March 10th.
The Hawks' broadcasting history is rich, with previous games aired by WPCH from 1972 until 1994 and WANF from 1986 to 1993. In a nod to this legacy, the first two games under the new arrangement will be simulcast live on both Peachtree TV and WANF, offering a bridge between past and present.
Accessibility and Coverage Expansion
Ensuring broad accessibility, the live broadcasts will be available not only on Peachtree TV but also across major cable and satellite services. Additionally, various Gray TV stations throughout Georgia and Alabama will carry the games, allowing a wider audience to tune in to the excitement of Hawks basketball.
Star-Studded Commentary Team
The games will feature the seasoned Bally Sports Southeast production team, including none other than Dominique Wilkins, Bob Rathbun, and Tabitha Turner, providing expert commentary. Adding to the depth of coverage, Baillie Burmaster, the Sports Director from WANF, will also contribute to the broadcasts, bringing her unique insights into the mix.
Exciting Matchups on the Horizon
The Hawks' Friday night lineup is studded with high-stakes matchups against formidable opponents such as the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers. These games promise to deliver thrilling basketball action to fans week after week.
Peachtree TV is no stranger to basketball, having broadcasted the College Park Skyhawks since 2019. This new deal with the Hawks reinforces the channel's commitment to bringing top-tier basketball to viewers.
Recent On-Court Struggles
Despite the excitement off the court, the Hawks have faced recent challenges during gameplay. A notable setback occurred in their game against the Sacramento Kings, where the team squandered a significant lead due to a lackluster second-half performance. Key players Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic were unable to maintain their momentum, contributing just two and three points respectively after halftime.
The statistics painted a grim picture: the Hawks' field goal percentage plummeted to 28.9 percent, and their success rate from beyond the arc was a mere 21.7 percent in the latter half of the game. These figures underscored the need for a strategic reassessment moving forward.
Industry Perspectives
Andrew Saltzman, expressing his enthusiasm about the new broadcasting deal, highlighted the benefits it brings to fans. "It provides fans a new, complimentary way to view the games," he said, emphasizing the enhanced accessibility this partnership offers. Saltzman continued, expressing gratitude towards Peachtree TV and Gray TV for making this possible and noting, "This partnership will benefit the Hawks' local fan base."
Erik Schrader echoed these sentiments, pointing out that returning the Hawks to broadcast television expands access to all fans, regardless of their viewing preferences. He also mentioned the potential for engaging new audiences while catering to the needs of long-time supporters.
Team Reflections
In response to the team's recent on-court woes, Head Coach Quin Snyder stressed the importance of better execution and adopting a collective approach to overcome the current challenges. Clint Capela candidly addressed the team's frustration and emphasized the urgent need for a tactical shift to improve their performance in future games.
As the Atlanta Hawks embark on this new chapter with Peachtree TV, there is a sense of anticipation and hope among the team and its supporters. With a robust schedule ahead and a renewed focus on strategy, the Hawks are poised to soar once again, backed by the unwavering support of their fans and the broader community.