Is CNN Still in Atlanta? What Locals and Visitors Need to Know

If you live in Atlanta or are planning a visit, you might be wondering: “Is CNN still in Atlanta?” The short answer is yes – but not in the same way it used to be.

Atlanta is still an important city for CNN, but the network’s physical presence, tours, and studio operations have changed significantly over the last few years. Here’s how it works now, and what that means for you.

CNN’s History in Atlanta

For decades, Atlanta was known as CNN’s home base. The network launched here in 1980, and the CNN Center downtown became a landmark:

  • A major newsroom and broadcast hub
  • Offices and support staff
  • The popular CNN Studio Tour, which drew visitors from around the world
  • A food court and shops used by workers, visitors, and event-goers at State Farm Arena and the Georgia World Congress Center

For many Atlanta residents, CNN Center was part of the identity of downtown.

Is CNN Center Still Operating the Same Way?

No. CNN’s presence at CNN Center has been greatly reduced.

In recent years, CNN’s parent company moved most of the network’s primary U.S. broadcast activity away from CNN Center. The public studio tours ended, and many operations shifted to other facilities, including those in New York and Washington, D.C.

From an Atlanta resident or visitor’s perspective, this means:

  • You can’t take the CNN Studio Tour anymore.
  • You are unlikely to see major live shows being broadcast from CNN Center as a regular feature.
  • The building itself has been going through changes in ownership and use, so what’s open to the public can feel very different from how it was years ago.

However, that doesn’t mean CNN has disappeared from the city.

Where Does CNN Operate in Atlanta Now?

While the iconic tourist experience is gone, CNN still maintains operations in Atlanta, especially on the Techwood campus, which has been a major broadcast and production site for years.

Techwood Campus

CNN’s Atlanta operations have long included facilities in the midtown area near Georgia Tech, often referred to as the Techwood Drive campus. This area has housed:

  • News production and technical operations
  • Support functions
  • Some on-air and behind-the-scenes staff

These facilities are not a tourist attraction and are typically not open to the public, but they are a key reason why CNN is still considered to have a footprint in Atlanta.

Can You Visit CNN in Atlanta Anymore?

If you’re thinking about a CNN-related visit in Atlanta, here’s what to know:

1. Public Tours

Public tours of CNN in Atlanta are no longer offered.
The well-known CNN Center tour that let you look into newsrooms and studios has been discontinued.

So if you remember:

  • Riding an escalator into the globe
  • Looking down on the newsroom
  • Seeing control rooms and TV sets

…those experiences are now part of Atlanta history rather than current options.

2. Walking by Former CNN Center

You can still walk by or around the former CNN Center building in downtown Atlanta near:

  • State Farm Arena
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • Georgia World Congress Center

Depending on the current use of the property, you may find offices, restaurants, or other tenants. However, you should not expect an active, branded CNN tourist destination inside.

3. Taking Media-Themed Tours (Alternatives)

If you’re interested in media, film, or TV production in Atlanta, you might instead:

  • Look for general Atlanta film/TV industry tours that highlight locations used in movies and shows
  • Explore attractions near CNN’s old footprint, such as
    • College Football Hall of Fame
    • World of Coca-Cola
    • National Center for Civil and Human Rights
    • Centennial Olympic Park

These are not CNN-related, but they offer downtown attractions in the same general area.

CNN and Atlanta’s Role in News and Media

Even with fewer visible signs, CNN still has ties to Atlanta:

  • Atlanta remains part of CNN’s operational network, especially for behind‑the‑scenes functions.
  • Long-time residents often still think of Atlanta as CNN’s original home, and the city is frequently mentioned in discussions of cable news history.
  • Atlanta’s growth as a media and entertainment hub (including film, TV production, and digital content) keeps it connected to the broader industry CNN operates in.

For someone living in Atlanta, this means:

  • You may still encounter media professionals and CNN employees living and working in the metro area.
  • Atlanta continues to have a reputation as a news and media city, even if the big tourist-facing CNN presence has faded.

Quick Summary for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

Here’s a simple overview of what “Is CNN still in Atlanta?” means in practical terms:

QuestionWhat to Expect in Atlanta Today
Is CNN still based in Atlanta?CNN still maintains operations here, but not as its main hub.
Is CNN Center still a big CNN tourist attraction?No. The well-known tours and public CNN experience are gone.
Can I tour CNN studios in Atlanta?No public CNN studio tours are currently offered.
Does CNN still have employees and offices in Atlanta?Yes, operational facilities still exist (not open to public).
Can I see anything CNN-related downtown?You can see the former CNN Center area, but not an active tour or studio.

What This Means If You’re Planning a Trip

If you’re visiting Atlanta and hoped to see CNN up close, you’ll need to adjust expectations:

  • Plan to skip CNN-specific tours, since they no longer operate.
  • Use the time to explore nearby attractions in downtown and midtown instead.
  • If you’re interested in news or media, look for broader “Atlanta media and film” experiences, rather than CNN-branded ones.

For locals, the change is mainly about nostalgia and city identity: CNN is still here in a quieter, more behind-the-scenes way, but Atlanta is no longer the public-facing CNN showcase it once was.

Once you understand that difference—CNN still in Atlanta, but not as a public attraction—you’ll know what to expect as you move around the city.