Hawks' Broadcast Returns to Peachtree TV
After nearly three decades, the Atlanta Hawks are making a nostalgic return to Peachtree TV. Starting January 12, 2024, Peachtree TV is set to broadcast every Friday night Hawks game for the remainder of the 2023-24 NBA season, with the exception of the March 8th contest.
In a slight schedule adjustment, the channel will showcase the game against the New Orleans team on March 10, stepping in for the March 8th game that won't be aired. This marks a significant shift in the team's media coverage, reviving a relationship reminiscent of past partnerships with WPCH from 1972-1994 and WANF from 1986-1993.
The commencement of this new broadcasting deal will be celebrated with the first two games being simultaneously aired live on both Peachtree TV and WANF, offering fans multiple platforms to catch the action.
Expanding Accessibility
Peachtree TV isn't limiting its coverage to its own channel; live Hawks games will also be accessible through major cable and satellite services, as well as various Gray TV stations across Georgia and Alabama. This expansion ensures that a broader audience can enjoy the games, reaching beyond the local fan base.
The broadcasts promise to deliver high-quality commentary, with the Bally Sports Southeast production team at the helm. Fans can look forward to insights from Dominique Wilkins, Bob Rathbun, and Tabitha Turner. Additionally, Baillie Burmaster, the Sports Director from WANF, will contribute to the coverage, bringing her expertise to the broadcast team.
The Hawks' Friday night lineup features exciting matchups against formidable opponents such as the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers, ensuring that viewers will have plenty of thrilling basketball to look forward to.
Peachtree TV is no stranger to basketball broadcasts, having aired games for the College Park Skyhawks since 2019. The extension of their basketball programming to include the Hawks demonstrates the channel's commitment to bringing local sports to a wider audience.
Recent Performance Recap
The Hawks have experienced some recent setbacks, as highlighted by their loss to the Sacramento Kings, where a significant lead slipped away due to a lackluster second-half performance. Key players Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic saw a dip in their contributions, scoring only two and three points respectively after halftime.
This downturn was reflected in the team's shooting statistics, with a field goal percentage of just 28.9 percent and a three-point success rate plummeting to 21.7 percent in the second half of the game. These figures underscore the need for strategic adjustments moving forward.
Leadership Commentary
The move to Peachtree TV has been met with enthusiasm from the Hawks' executive ranks. Andrew Saltzman, an executive with the Hawks, expressed his excitement about the deal, seeing it as "a new, complimentary way to view the games." He extended his gratitude to Peachtree TV and Gray TV for facilitating this partnership, which he believes will greatly benefit the Hawks' local fan base.
Erik Schrader echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that broadcasting the Hawks on television enhances accessibility for all fans. He pointed out the potential to engage new audiences while also catering to long-time supporters, suggesting that the move could bolster the Hawks' following.
On the coaching front, Quin Snyder has called for "better execution and a collective approach" to overcome the team's recent struggles. Clint Capela, reflecting on the team's performance, spoke candidly about the frustration within the squad and the urgent need for a tactical shift.
As the Hawks prepare for their upcoming televised games, the management, coaches, and players seem aligned in their determination to improve on-court performances. With the enhanced broadcast reach and the support of their loyal fan base, the Atlanta Hawks are poised to turn their season around, one Friday night at a time.