B98.5 Atlanta: Your Guide to One of the City’s Most Popular Radio Stations
If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and you’ve searched for “B98.5 Atlanta”, you’re almost certainly looking for information about B98.5 FM (WSB-FM) – one of the city’s most recognizable and long-running radio stations.
Below is a clear, locally focused guide to what B98.5 is, how to listen, what kind of music and shows you’ll hear, and what to know as an Atlanta resident or visitor.
What Is B98.5 in Atlanta?
B98.5 (98.5 WSB-FM) is a commercial FM radio station based in Atlanta that typically plays a mix of adult contemporary and pop hits, often focusing on music from the 80s, 90s, 2000s, and today.
For many people in metro Atlanta, B98.5 is a go‑to station for:
- Workday background music
- Commuting tunes along I‑285, GA‑400, I‑75, and I‑85
- Family-friendly playlists that avoid most explicit content
- Seasonal programming, especially holiday music around the end of the year
The station is part of Atlanta’s larger media landscape that also includes news, hip‑hop, country, and talk radio, but it positions itself as a “feel-good” music option for adults.
How to Listen to B98.5 in Atlanta
Traditional Radio
- FM Frequency:98.5 FM
- City of License: Atlanta, GA
- Coverage Area: Most of the Atlanta metro area, including Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and surrounding counties, depending on terrain and your radio equipment.
If you live or are staying anywhere near Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Decatur, or Marietta, you should generally get a clear signal on a standard car or home radio.
Digital & Streaming Options
If you are in an area where FM reception is spotty (for example, some suburban or exurban pockets), or you prefer online listening, you can usually:
- Stream via major radio or music apps that offer live local stations
- Use smart speakers by asking for “B98.5 Atlanta” or “98.5 WSB-FM,” if the device supports local radio streaming
Streaming can be useful for:
- Atlantans who commute from farther out (e.g., Cumming, Newnan, McDonough)
- Students on or near Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Emory, or Morehouse/Spelman/Clark Atlanta who prefer listening on laptops or phones
- Travelers who want a taste of Atlanta radio from outside the city
What Kind of Music and Programs Does B98.5 Play?
While lineups and branding can change over time, B98.5 in Atlanta is generally known for:
Music Format
- Core style:Adult contemporary / Hot AC
- Typical artists and eras:
- 80s and 90s pop/rock
- 2000s hits
- Select current mainstream pop that fits a “grown‑up pop” sound
The overall goal is easy-to-listen-to, familiar songs that work well for offices, shops, and commutes.
On-Air Shows and Hosts
Programming can vary, but you’ll often find:
- Morning show: Lighter content to start the day, such as:
- Music and banter
- Local Atlanta references (traffic, neighborhoods, schools, weather)
- Occasional giveaways or call‑ins
- Middays and afternoons: Mostly music with periodic talk breaks
- Evenings and weekends: Music-focused blocks, sometimes with themed hours
Because show rosters and time slots can change, if you want to know who is on the air right now, the best options are:
- Check the “On Air” or schedule section on station info sources
- Listen at the top of the hour; hosts typically introduce themselves and the show
Seasonal & Special Programming on B98.5 Atlanta
B98.5 is commonly associated with seasonal format changes, especially:
Holiday Music 🎄
Many Atlanta listeners know B98.5 for:
- Switching to Christmas or holiday music for a portion of November and December
- Playing classic and contemporary holiday songs around the clock once the switch is made
This is especially popular:
- In Atlanta offices and retail spaces
- For families who want a holiday soundtrack at home or in the car
- For people driving in and out of the city for Thanksgiving and winter holidays
If you rely on B98.5 for regular pop hits, be aware that during this period, the station may be almost entirely holiday-focused.
Where is B98.5 Based in Atlanta?
B98.5 (WSB-FM) is operated by a major broadcast group in Atlanta that also runs news and talk stations in the city.
While corporate and studio arrangements can change, the station has historically broadcast from facilities in the Atlanta metro area, often near other major media outlets and highway access points for staff and guests.
If you’re trying to:
- Mail something to the station
- Visit for a prize pickup or promotional event
- Contact the business office
look for the official mailing address and phone numbers posted by the station itself, which may include:
- A main office or studio address in Atlanta
- Business office phone for advertising inquiries
- Contest or prize department contact details
Because this information can update over time, it’s best to confirm addresses and phone numbers via the station’s on-air announcements or official directory listings before visiting in person.
Contacting B98.5 as an Atlanta Listener
Typical ways for Atlanta listeners to interact with B98.5 include:
- Request/Studio Line: For song requests, contests, or quick comments during a live show
- Business/Advertising Line: For local businesses or organizations wanting to inquire about advertising in the Atlanta market
- Mailing Address: For correspondence, certain contest entries, or formal inquiries
- Text Line (if promoted): Some shows accept messages via text for on-air readouts or polls
Common Reasons Atlantans Contact the Station
- Ask about contest rules or prize pickup instructions
- Share local community event information they hope might be mentioned on air
- Provide feedback on music, hosts, or topics
- Inquire about sponsorships or promotions tied to Atlanta events (fairs, charity walks, concerts, etc.)
If you need clear next steps:
- Listen briefly on 98.5 FM – hosts often mention the best number to call or text.
- Note any specific office hours for prize pickup or in‑person visits.
- If you’re driving, wait until you’re safely parked to write down numbers or use your phone.
B98.5’s Role in Atlanta’s Daily Life
For many in metro Atlanta, B98.5 serves as:
- A background soundtrack at workplaces in areas like Downtown, Buckhead, Perimeter, Cumberland, and Midtown
- A comfort station for parents driving kids to and from schools in Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb, and Gwinnett
- An easy, non‑intense listening option compared to harder rock, hip‑hop, or talk radio
You’ll commonly hear B98.5 playing:
- In Atlanta office buildings and lobbies
- In salons, dentists’ offices, and retail shops
- At holiday markets, small local events, or in cars heading to places like Piedmont Park, Atlantic Station, the BeltLine, or Truist Park
Quick Reference: B98.5 Atlanta At a Glance
| Question | Answer (Atlanta-Specific) |
|---|---|
| What is B98.5 Atlanta? | A popular FM radio station (WSB-FM) in Atlanta, GA |
| Frequency | 98.5 FM |
| General Format | Adult contemporary / “feel-good” pop hits |
| Typical Audience | Adults in the Atlanta metro area, often 25+ |
| How to Listen Locally | Tune to 98.5 FM on any car or home radio in metro Atlanta |
| Digital Access | Through common radio/streaming apps and smart speakers |
| Known For | Workday music, family-friendly playlists, holiday music |
| Serves | Atlanta and the broader metro area |
Tips for Atlantans Using B98.5
Here are a few practical ways people in Atlanta tend to use the station:
For commutes:
Keep 98.5 FM preset alongside traffic and news stations so you can switch easily between music and traffic updates when driving around the Downtown Connector or the Perimeter.For workplaces:
Many offices choose B98.5 because the music is generally inoffensive and familiar, making it suitable for shared spaces.For events and gatherings:
If you’re hosting a cookout, birthday party, or neighborhood get-together in places like Grant Park, Virginia-Highland, or East Atlanta, you can just tune a portable radio or Bluetooth speaker (with a radio tuner or streaming app) to B98.5 for an easy playlist.For the holidays:
When you want an all-in-one holiday soundtrack while decorating, driving to see lights, or visiting Lenox Square or Ponce City Market, B98.5’s seasonal shift is a simple solution.
If you searched for “B98 5 Atlanta”, you’re looking at a station that’s woven into daily life across the metro area. Whether you’re a long-time local, a new resident, or just visiting, tuning to 98.5 FM gives you a quick, easy way to tap into Atlanta’s everyday soundscape.