TV Stations in Atlanta, GA: Local Channels, News, and How to Watch

If you search for “TV stations Atlanta GA”, you’re usually trying to answer one of a few questions:

• What local TV channels are available in Atlanta?
• Which stations carry news, sports, and weather for the Atlanta area?
• How can I watch over the air (antenna), on cable, or via streaming?
• Who do I contact if I have a signal or reception problem?

This guide walks through the major Atlanta TV stations, what they offer, and how to watch them if you live in or are visiting the Atlanta metro area.

Major Local TV Stations in Atlanta, GA

Atlanta is a top television market with network affiliates, independent stations, and public television. Below is a simplified snapshot of the main full-power stations most viewers rely on.

Key Atlanta TV Stations at a Glance

Channel numbers above are the virtual channel numbers you’ll see on TVs and guides (not necessarily their physical RF broadcast frequency).

ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX: Atlanta’s Major Network Affiliates

Most people looking for local TV in Atlanta are interested in the “big four” network affiliates that carry:

• Local news and weather
• Prime-time network shows
• NFL, college football, Olympics, and other major sports
• Emergency alerts and storm coverage

WSB-TV (Channel 2) – ABC Atlanta

WSB-TV Channel 2 is the ABC affiliate serving the Atlanta metro.

You’ll typically turn here for:

• Local news throughout the day
• Severe weather coverage, especially for storms around Atlanta and North Georgia
• ABC programming such as network dramas, comedies, and national news

Over-the-air (OTA) virtual channel: 2.1
Common cable listing: Channel 2 or a low single-digit channel, depending on provider.

WSB-TV operates from studios in Midtown Atlanta and covers a wide footprint, including many surrounding metro counties.

WAGA-TV (Channel 5) – FOX 5 Atlanta

FOX 5 Atlanta (WAGA-TV) is the FOX network affiliate for the region.

Viewers typically watch FOX 5 for:

• Local news, including early morning and evening newscasts
• FOX network sports, such as some NFL games and other major sports
• Talk shows, reality programming, and FOX entertainment lineups

Over-the-air virtual channel: 5.1
You’ll often find it as Channel 5 on many cable services in Atlanta.

WXIA-TV (Channel 11) – 11Alive (NBC Atlanta)

WXIA-TV, known locally as 11Alive, is Atlanta’s NBC affiliate.

It carries:

• NBC network programming, including national news and late-night shows
• Local newscasts and special coverage of major Atlanta stories
• High-visibility events like NFL Sunday Night Football, certain Olympics coverage, and more

Over-the-air virtual channel: 11.1
It’s usually in the low-numbered range on cable lineups around metro Atlanta.

WANF (Channel 46) – CBS Atlanta

Atlanta’s CBS affiliate operates on Channel 46 (commonly known historically as WGCL; branding may change over time).

Expect to find:

• CBS network shows, including dramas, comedies, and national news
• NFL on CBS, college sports, and other network sports
• Local news focusing on metro Atlanta communities

Over-the-air virtual channel: 46.1

If you’re in Atlanta looking for CBS content, this is your main station.

Independent & Other Commercial Stations

Beyond the big four, Atlanta has several other commercial stations that fill in the lineup with syndicated shows, movies, and additional network programming.

WPCH-TV (Channel 17) – Independent Atlanta Station

WPCH-TV (Channel 17) is an independent station, often associated with:

• Syndicated reruns
• Movies
• Occasional local programming and specials

Over-the-air virtual channel: 17.1

This is a useful channel if you enjoy classic TV, talk shows, and off-network programming.

WUPA (Channel 69) – The CW Atlanta

WUPA Channel 69 carries The CW network in Atlanta.

Here you’ll find:

• The CW network prime-time shows
• Syndicated series
• Some local or regional programming

Over-the-air virtual channel: 69.1

If you’re looking for CW network shows while staying or living in Atlanta, this is the station you’ll need.

Public Television & Educational Stations in Atlanta

Atlanta also has strong public broadcasting options, important for educational content, children’s programming, and arts-focused shows.

WPBA (Channel 30) – Atlanta’s PBS Station

WPBA Channel 30, operated by Atlanta Public Schools, is part of the PBS system.

You’ll commonly see:

• PBS children’s programming
• Educational shows for families and students
• Arts and cultural programming focused on Atlanta and Georgia

Over-the-air virtual channel: 30.x (with several subchannels available)

WPBA’s signal serves much of the metro area and is especially valuable if you’re looking for ad-free educational content.

Subchannels: Extra Content on Atlanta Stations

Many Atlanta TV stations broadcast multiple subchannels (for example, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3) that carry additional networks such as:

• Classic TV channels (retro shows, older movies)
• 24/7 weather or local information
• Lifestyle and specialty networks

When you run a channel scan with an antenna in Atlanta, you may see:

• 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 (WSB subchannels)
• 5.1, 5.2, etc. (WAGA subchannels)
• 11.1, 11.2, 11.3 (WXIA subchannels)
• And so on for other stations

If you prefer classic sitcoms, niche sports, or older movies, these subchannels can be worth exploring.

How to Watch Atlanta TV Stations Over the Air (OTA)

If you’re in or around Atlanta, you can often get free local TV using an antenna.

1. Check Your Location Within Metro Atlanta

Reception depends on:

• Your distance from the broadcast towers
• The terrain (hills, tall buildings, etc.)
• Whether you’re in a house, apartment, or high-rise

Most Atlanta broadcast towers are located in or near the city core, so many viewers in places like Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, Decatur, East Point, and Sandy Springs can get strong signals with an indoor antenna.

If you’re farther out (for example, in McDonough, Lawrenceville, Douglasville, or Cumming), you may need a more powerful indoor antenna or a roof-mounted outdoor antenna.

2. Choose an Antenna Type That Fits Atlanta Conditions

Common choices for Atlanta viewers:

• Indoor flat/leaf antennas

  • Good for apartments and in-town neighborhoods
  • Usually enough if you live within a reasonable distance of the towers

• Amplified indoor antennas

  • Helpful if you have marginal reception or are slightly farther from Downtown/Midtown
  • Can sometimes pick up additional subchannels

• Outdoor or attic antennas

  • Useful in outer suburbs or semi-rural areas of the Atlanta metro
  • Better for penetrating trees and dealing with terrain

3. Run a Channel Scan on Your TV

Once your antenna is plugged into your TV:

1. Open your TV’s Settings or Setup menu.
2. Look for “Channel Scan,” “Auto-tune,” or “Antenna Scan.”
3. Select Antenna/Over-the-Air (not Cable).
4. Start the scan and wait for it to finish.

Your TV should then list local Atlanta channels like 2.1, 5.1, 11.1, 17.1, 30.x, 46.1, 69.1, and more.

If you move the antenna or change equipment, re-run the scan to update your available stations.

Watching Atlanta TV via Cable and Satellite

If you use cable or satellite in Atlanta, the same stations are typically included in basic lineups, but channel numbers vary.

Typical Options in the Atlanta Area

Residents commonly use:

• Cable providers that serve the city and surrounding suburbs
• Satellite services that offer Atlanta local channels based on your service address

These services usually carry:

• WSB (ABC), WAGA (FOX), WXIA (NBC), WANF (CBS)
• WUPA (CW), WPCH (independent), WPBA (PBS)
• Additional regional sports networks and cable-only channels

If you’re a visitor staying in a hotel in Downtown, Midtown, or near the airport, your in-room TV usually includes major Atlanta local stations on a familiar low-numbered range.

Streaming Local Atlanta TV Channels

Many Atlanta viewers now stream TV over the internet, with or without traditional cable.

There are two main ways to stream Atlanta TV stations:

1. Live TV Streaming Services

Some subscription live TV streaming platforms offer:

• Local ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC for the Atlanta market
• Sometimes CW and PBS (availability varies by service)

You typically need:

• A reliable internet connection in your Atlanta home or hotel
• A compatible device (smart TV, streaming stick, game console, tablet, or phone)

Once set up and your location is recognized as within the Atlanta DMA (Designated Market Area), the service will deliver Atlanta’s local feeds.

2. Station Apps and Network Apps

Many Atlanta stations and networks offer:

• Station-specific apps that feature local news, weather, and sometimes live newscasts
• Network apps that carry national content and, in some cases, livestreams of local affiliates when you sign in with a TV provider

These apps can be installed on:

• Smart TVs
• Streaming devices (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, etc.)
• Smartphones and tablets

Access to specific live feeds often requires login with a cable, satellite, or streaming TV account that includes local channel rights for the Atlanta area.

Emergency Alerts and Severe Weather Coverage in Atlanta

Atlanta experiences:

• Severe thunderstorms
• Occasional tornadoes
• Winter weather events
• Flash flooding

Local TV stations play a key role in emergency communication.

How Local TV Helps During Weather Events

When severe weather threatens:

• Major stations like WSB, FOX 5, 11Alive, and CBS 46 may interrupt regular programming for live, continuous coverage.
• You’ll see radar images centered on North Georgia, detailed tracking of storms in counties like Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, and others.
• Stations often provide instructions and updates about sheltering, road closures, and power outages.

If you live in the metro area, it’s helpful to:

• Know where your local channels are on your TV or antenna
• Keep at least one device (TV, radio, or mobile app) available during storms for real-time information

Common Issues: Reception Problems in Atlanta

If you’re having trouble getting Atlanta TV channels over the air, consider these common factors:

Indoor Reception Challenges

• Tall buildings in Downtown or Midtown can create signal reflections. Moving your antenna near a window facing the broadcast towers can help.
• Interior walls and metal structures can weaken signals. Try different placements around the room.

Distance and Terrain

If you’re in:

• Northern suburbs (Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming)
• Western suburbs (Douglasville, Villa Rica)
• Southern suburbs (Fayetteville, Peachtree City, McDonough)

you may be farther from the main towers. A higher-gain or outdoor antenna usually improves reliability.

Who Regulates TV Stations in Atlanta?

Over-the-air TV stations in Atlanta are licensed and regulated at the federal level.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The FCC oversees:

• Licensing for stations like WSB, WAGA, WXIA, WANF, WPCH, WUPA, and WPBA
• Technical standards (signal power, frequencies, etc.)
• Certain consumer protections and complaint processes

If you have a serious interference or reception issue that isn’t resolved by equipment changes or provider support, consumers sometimes review FCC resources for guidance.

FCC Consumer Center (national, not Atlanta-specific):

• Consumer Call Center (toll-free): 1-888-225-5322
• TTY: 1-888-835-5322
• ASL Video Phone: 1-844-432-2275

These contacts are useful if you need official information about broadcast rights, interference, or general TV reception rules.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Viewers 📺

To make the most of Atlanta TV stations, keep these tips in mind:

• Use a channel scan anytime you move or install a new antenna in the Atlanta area.
• If you live inside or near the Perimeter (I-285), try a simple indoor antenna first; upgrade only if needed.
• In outer suburbs like Woodstock, Newnan, or Loganville, consider a directional outdoor antenna pointed toward central Atlanta.
• During severe weather, know at least two places to get information: one broadcast TV station and one mobile or radio source in case power or internet service is disrupted.
• If you rely on streaming, confirm that your billing or service address is set correctly so you receive the Atlanta local feeds, not another city’s stations.

With the right setup, residents and visitors can easily access local news, sports, weather, and network programming from Atlanta’s diverse lineup of TV stations, whether watching free over the air, via cable or satellite, or through modern streaming options.