Atlanta Hawks Return to Peachtree TV
In a nostalgic twist, the Atlanta Hawks are soaring back onto Peachtree TV's broadcast schedule after a hiatus that spanned nearly three decades. Starting January 12, 2024, Peachtree TV is set to air every Friday night Hawks game for the remainder of the 2023-24 NBA season, with the exception of the March 8th matchup.
Instead, fans can look forward to the channel broadcasting the game against the New Orleans team on March 10, providing an alternative viewing experience for those who cannot attend in person. This marks a significant moment for the franchise and its followers, as the Hawks games were previously a staple on WPCH from 1972 until 1994, and on WANF from 1986 to 1993.
The reintroduction of the Hawks to broadcast television will begin with a bang, as the first two games under the new arrangement will be simulcast live on both Peachtree TV and WANF, offering viewers multiple platforms to catch the action.
Broadening the Reach
Peachtree TV is extending its coverage beyond traditional broadcasting. The live Hawks games will be accessible not only on Peachtree TV but also through major cable and satellite services, as well as various Gray TV stations across Georgia and Alabama. This multi-platform approach ensures that a wider audience will have the opportunity to tune in and follow their favorite team.
The broadcasts promise to deliver top-notch commentary, with the Bally Sports Southeast production team at the helm. Fans will enjoy insights from basketball luminaries such as Dominique Wilkins and Bob Rathbun, with Tabitha Turner adding her expertise to the mix. Additionally, Baillie Burmaster, the Sports Director from WANF, will contribute to the broadcast, bringing her unique perspective to the Friday night games.
High-Stakes Matchups
The Hawks' Friday night slate is peppered with high-stakes matchups, featuring prominent teams like the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers. These games are not just regular season fixtures; they're potential previews of playoff rivalries and opportunities for the Hawks to solidify their standings in a competitive league.
Since 2019, Peachtree TV has been the broadcasting home of the College Park Skyhawks, indicating the network's ongoing commitment to local basketball talent and its development. This expanded partnership with the Atlanta Hawks further cements Peachtree TV’s role as a cornerstone of basketball culture in the region.
Recent Struggles on the Court
Despite the excitement surrounding the broadcast deal, the Hawks have faced recent challenges on the court. A notable setback occurred in their game against the Sacramento Kings, where the Hawks relinquished a significant lead due to a lackluster performance in the second half.
Key players Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic found themselves struggling after halftime, contributing a mere two and three points respectively. The team's overall field goal percentage plummeted to 28.9 percent, and their success from the three-point line was a disappointing 21.7 percent in the latter stages of the contest.
Leadership Commentary
Andrew Saltzman, an executive with the Hawks, expressed enthusiasm about the new broadcast arrangement, stating, "It provides fans a new, complimentary way to view the games." He continued, "We're excited about the deal," and extended gratitude by saying, "Thank you to Peachtree TV and Gray TV." Saltzman emphasized the benefits to the Hawks' local fan base, highlighting the increased accessibility the partnership brings.
Erik Schrader, another key figure in the agreement, echoed this sentiment. He noted, "Bringing the Hawks back to broadcast television provides accessibility to all fans," underscoring the inclusivity of the move. Schrader also pointed out the potential for engaging new audiences and catering to long-time supporters, suggesting a positive impact on the team's following.
On the coaching side, Quin Snyder stressed the importance of "better execution and a collective approach" moving forward. Meanwhile, Clint Capela, one of the team's stalwarts, voiced his concern over the team's frustration and underscored the urgent need for a tactical shift if they are to overcome their recent on-court tribulations.
As the Hawks prepare for their upcoming televised games, the organization and its fans are hopeful that the return to Peachtree TV will mark the beginning of a successful era, both in terms of viewership and on-court achievements.