Fox 5 Atlanta: Your Guide to Atlanta’s Local FOX TV Station

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and trying to keep up with local news, weather, and sports, FOX 5 Atlanta (WAGA-TV) is one of the main broadcast stations you’ll hear about. It’s the local FOX affiliate that covers everything from breaking news in Midtown to Falcons highlights and Atlanta-specific weather alerts.

This guide walks you through what FOX 5 Atlanta is, how to watch it, where it’s located, and how Atlantans typically use it to stay informed.

What Is FOX 5 Atlanta (WAGA-TV)?

FOX 5 Atlanta is the local FOX television station that primarily serves the Atlanta metropolitan area and much of North Georgia. It is:

• A broadcast TV station (call sign WAGA-TV)
• The FOX network affiliate for Atlanta (airing programs like NFL on FOX, FOX primetime shows, etc.)
• A major source for local news, weather, traffic, and sports focused on metro Atlanta

For anyone in or around Atlanta, “FOX 5 Atlanta” usually refers to:

• The TV channel itself
• The local news operation (like “FOX 5 News at 10”)
• The station’s online and app-based coverage of Atlanta-specific stories

FOX 5 Atlanta Channel Information

If you’re trying to find what channel FOX 5 is in Atlanta, it depends on how you watch TV. The station’s over-the-air broadcast designation is the same for everyone:

• Over the Air (antenna):
  • Digital Channel: 27
  • Virtual Channel (what you see on TV):5

On cable or satellite in the Atlanta area, FOX 5 is usually found on:

*Channel numbers can vary by provider and package, so it’s best to check your on-screen guide using “FOX 5” or “WAGA” in the search function.

Where Is FOX 5 Atlanta Located?

For those curious about the physical station:

• Main Studio & Offices (Typical Location)
  FOX 5 Atlanta’s long-time operations are based in Atlanta, generally in the city proper rather than the suburbs.
  Many Atlantans recognize the station’s name in connection with Midtown/downtown news coverage and Hartsfield–Jackson updates, even if they never visit the building in person.

While most viewers will never need to go to the station in person, knowing that it’s locally based can matter when you care about truly Atlanta-focused coverage—especially for:

• Severe weather impacting Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Clayton counties
• Traffic issues on I‑285, I‑75, I‑85, GA‑400, and downtown connectors
• Local government updates from City of Atlanta, Fulton County, and the Georgia State Capitol

If you need specific mailing or visit details (for example, for contest rules, public file access, or professional inquiries), those are typically available through the station’s official customer or viewer relations channels.

How to Watch FOX 5 Atlanta in and Around the City

1. Over-the-Air with an Antenna

If you’re in Atlanta or the surrounding metro area, you can often watch FOX 5 for free using a digital TV antenna.

• Scan for Channels:
  Use your TV’s “channel scan” or “auto program” feature and look for Channel 5.
• Signal Strength:
  Reception is typically best:
  • Inside the Perimeter (I‑285)
  • In higher elevations or with a good quality indoor/outdoor antenna
• Who This Helps:
  • Students in Midtown or Downtown
  • Residents in neighborhoods like Buckhead, East Atlanta, West End, Decatur, and nearby areas who want free local channels

2. Cable and Satellite Providers

In most Atlanta-area cable and satellite packages, FOX 5 is part of the standard local channel lineup. It’s commonly used for:

• FOX network shows
• NFL games featuring the Atlanta Falcons or other NFC teams
• Local newscasts (morning, evening, and late night)

You can find FOX 5 by:

• Using your on-screen guide search and typing “FOX 5”
• Looking for the call sign WAGA

3. Streaming and Mobile Apps

Many Atlantans use FOX 5 coverage through:

• Station-branded news apps on phones and tablets
• Streaming TV services that carry local channels in the Atlanta market (availability varies by service)
• Smart TV platforms that include local-news streaming options

This is especially popular for:

• Breaking news alerts (for example, major incidents on I‑85)
• Severe thunderstorm or tornado coverage
• Election night results for local races

What Kind of News Does FOX 5 Atlanta Cover?

Local News with an Atlanta Focus

FOX 5 Atlanta’s newscasts often highlight:

• City of Atlanta news:
  City Council decisions, mayoral announcements, zoning or public safety issues.
• Neighborhood coverage:
  Stories in South Atlanta, West Midtown, East Point, College Park, Sandy Springs, Marietta, Decatur, and more.
• Crime and safety updates:
  Particularly around major corridors, transit hubs, and entertainment districts.
• Community events and local interest stories:
  Festivals, school events, non-profit activities, and neighborhood initiatives across the metro.

Weather: Critical for Atlanta Commuters and Homeowners

Given how quickly Atlanta weather can change, many residents rely on FOX 5 Atlanta weather coverage for:

• Severe storm tracking:
  Thunderstorms, high winds, and tornado warnings, especially in spring and late fall.
• Heat advisories:
  During Atlanta’s hot and humid summers.
• Freezing or icy conditions:
  Particularly impactful on bridges, overpasses, and hilly neighborhoods north of the city.

Meteorologists typically track conditions affecting areas like:

• Downtown & Midtown (urban heat, storm drains, flash flooding risk)
• Northside suburbs (Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta)
• Southside & Airport corridor (College Park, East Point, Hapeville)
• East & West metro areas (Decatur, Stone Mountain, Douglasville)

Traffic and Commute Coverage

Anyone who drives in or around Atlanta knows traffic is a daily factor. FOX 5 Atlanta often includes:

• Morning and evening commute reports
• Updates on:
  • I‑75, I‑85, I‑285, GA‑400, I‑20
  • Downtown Connector congestion
  • Major incidents near Truist Park, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, and State Farm Arena
• Information about MARTA delays or service changes when relevant

Sports Coverage: Atlanta Teams on FOX 5

For sports fans, FOX 5 Atlanta is often associated with:

• Atlanta Falcons coverage
  Pre- and post-game analysis when games air on FOX.
• College football
  Especially matchups involving SEC and other regional teams when carried by FOX.
• Coverage and features on:
  • Atlanta Braves
  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Atlanta United FC
  • Local high school football and other prep sports, especially during the fall

Game broadcasts themselves depend on national rights, but local sports segments and highlight shows focus heavily on Atlanta-area teams and storylines.

Ways Atlantans Commonly Use FOX 5 Atlanta

People living in or visiting Atlanta often turn to FOX 5 for:

• 🕒 Time-sensitive updates
  • Breaking news about major incidents in the city
  • Severe weather alerts and school/office disruptions
• 🚗 Daily commute planning
  • Checking the morning news before getting on I‑285 or GA‑400
• 🏈 Game day info
  • Knowing when Falcons or other NFL games are on FOX
  • Watching local sports wrap-ups and commentary
• 🏙️ Staying plugged into the city
  • Learning about neighborhood issues, new city initiatives, and community events

Tips for Getting the Most Out of FOX 5 Atlanta in the City

Here are some practical ways Atlantans make good use of the station:

1. Use multiple platforms
   Combine TV viewing with mobile alerts so you don’t miss severe weather or big traffic problems.

2. Check early during severe weather seasons
   In spring and late fall, turn on FOX 5 Atlanta or check their weather coverage before long drives, especially:

   • North of the city (Cobb, Cherokee, Gwinnett)
   • During late afternoon and evening commutes

3. Keep an eye on event days
   On days with big events at:

   • Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
   • Truist Park
   • State Farm Arena
     Traffic reports and news updates can help you plan routes and timing.

4. Use local coverage when you’re new to Atlanta
   If you’ve just moved to neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward, Grant Park, Atlantic Station, or Brookhaven, watching FOX 5 Atlanta’s local coverage can help you quickly learn:

   • Which roads back up daily
   • Where development is happening
   • Common safety topics in different areas

When You Might Need to Contact the Station

Most viewers won’t need to contact FOX 5 Atlanta directly, but there are a few common reasons Atlantans sometimes reach out:

• Story tips or news leads
  When residents want to share concerns or highlight community issues that may deserve coverage.
• Questions about programming
  For example, why a specific game or show did or did not air.
• Advertising and business inquiries
  Local businesses looking to reach the Atlanta market.
• Accessibility or closed-captioning questions
  Especially for viewers who rely on captions for news and emergency information.

Current and detailed contact options are generally provided through the station’s official communication channels, including phone lines and email addresses for news tips, viewer feedback, and business departments.

By understanding what FOX 5 Atlanta is, how to find it, and how Atlantans commonly use it, you can better tap into local news, weather, and sports coverage that’s specific to Atlanta and the surrounding metro area.