Atlanta TV News: How to Watch, What to Expect, and Where to Find Local Coverage

If you live in Atlanta, GA, or you’re visiting and want to stay on top of what’s happening, local TV news is still one of the fastest ways to get weather alerts, traffic updates, and coverage of major events. This guide walks you through Atlanta TV news options, how to watch them (antenna, cable, streaming), and how to get the most out of local coverage.

The Main Atlanta TV News Stations

Atlanta is a major media market, so you have several local TV newsrooms producing daily coverage. These are the core local TV news stations most Atlanta residents rely on:

All of these stations focus heavily on Atlanta and the surrounding metro area, including Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Clayton counties.

How to Watch Atlanta TV News Over the Air (No Cable Needed)

If you’re in the Atlanta metro area, you can usually watch local news free with an antenna.

1. Check Your Reception Area

Most of Atlanta’s major TV transmitters serve the broader metro region. If you’re in or near:

• Downtown Atlanta / Midtown / Buckhead
• Decatur, East Point, College Park, Sandy Springs
• Marietta, Smyrna, Duluth, Lawrenceville, Jonesboro

you’re generally in a good position to get strong over-the-air (OTA) signals.

Areas farther from the city center or with hilly terrain or tall buildings may need a stronger indoor antenna or a roof-mounted outdoor antenna.

2. Scan for Channels

Once your antenna is connected to your TV:

1. Go to your TV’s Settings or Channel menu.
2. Select “Antenna” or “Air” as the source.
3. Run “Auto Program” or “Channel Scan.”

You should find channels like:

• 2.x – WSB-TV (ABC)
• 5.x – WAGA (FOX)
• 11.x – WXIA (NBC)
• 46.x – WANF (CBS)
• 30.x – WPBA / ATL PBA (Public Broadcasting)

(Note: The exact sub-channel numbers can vary by TV and location, but the main numbers above usually appear.)

Watching Atlanta TV News with Cable or Satellite

If you have cable or satellite service in Atlanta (such as major providers that serve the metro area), your local TV news channels are typically included in the standard lineup.

You’ll usually find:

• WSB-TV (ABC) on a low channel number near other local networks
• FOX 5, 11Alive (NBC), and WANF (CBS) grouped together in the local section of your guide

Use your provider’s on-screen guide or app to:

• Set recordings for morning or evening newscasts
• Save favorite “local news” channels
• Check for replays of major coverage (election nights, severe weather, big events)

Streaming Atlanta TV News Online

Many people in Atlanta watch TV news without a traditional cable package. You have a few common options:

1. Network or Station Apps

Most Atlanta stations offer:

• Live newscasts during key time slots
• Recorded segments of top stories
• Weather updates and radar
• Some have dedicated smart TV apps or streaming apps for phones and tablets

Look for the station name (for example, a channel’s name or its network) in your device’s app store. You can typically watch local newscasts for free, especially during scheduled live news times.

2. Live TV Streaming Services

Many major live TV streaming services that operate nationwide offer local Atlanta network affiliates as part of their packages, allowing you to watch the same local newscasts you’d see on cable or antenna, but over the internet.

These services usually require:

• A reliable broadband connection (common speeds in Atlanta neighborhoods generally suffice)
• A compatible smart TV, streaming stick, or mobile device

Check the channel list in your streaming service to confirm it includes local Atlanta ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX stations for your ZIP code.

Typical Atlanta TV News Schedules

While schedules vary, you can expect local TV newscasts at these common times:

Weekday Mornings

Most Atlanta stations start news as early as 4:30 or 5:00 AM, running through about 7:00–9:00 AM. Morning shows usually focus on:

• Traffic on I-285, I-75, I-85, GA 400, I-20, and the Downtown Connector
• Weather forecasts, especially for severe storms or extreme heat/cold
• Overnight breaking news and crime updates
• School closures or delays during severe weather

Midday and Afternoon

You’ll typically see:

• A midday newscast around 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM
• An afternoon or early evening newscast in the 4:00–6:00 PM range

These often cover:

• City government and Atlanta City Hall updates
• Developments around Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Metro-wide issues like transit, housing, and schools

Evening and Late Night

Almost every major Atlanta station airs:

• An evening newscast around 5:00–7:00 PM
• A late newscast roughly at 10:00 PM (often on FOX) and 11:00 PM (NBC, CBS, ABC)

These are usually the most comprehensive, with:

• In-depth coverage of the day’s top stories
• Longer investigative pieces
• Local and national sports (including the Falcons, Hawks, Braves, United, and college sports)
• Detailed weather forecasts for the next day or weekend

What Atlanta TV News Typically Covers

Local Atlanta TV news focuses on stories that impact daily life in the metro area. You’ll commonly see:

1. Breaking News and Crime

• Police activity and investigations in Atlanta and neighboring cities
• Updates from agencies like the Atlanta Police Department, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, and surrounding county departments
• Major traffic incidents on interstates and major surface streets

2. Weather and Severe Storms

Atlanta sits in a region where thunderstorms, tornado warnings, flash floods, and occasional winter weather can be a concern. TV meteorologists in Atlanta often provide:

• Live radar coverage during severe storms
• Safety tips when tornado watches or warnings are issued
• Storm impact updates for specific neighborhoods and counties

For official weather alerts, stations frequently reference information from the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, which serves the Atlanta area.

3. Traffic and Commuting

Commuters in Atlanta often rely on TV news for real-time traffic before and after work. You’ll see:

• Live camera feeds from major interstates
• Updates on crashes or lane closures on I-285, I-75, I-85, I-20, GA 400 and key connectors
• Reports on MARTA delays or service changes

4. Local Government and Civic Coverage

Atlanta TV news regularly covers:

• Meetings and decisions at Atlanta City Hall
• Actions by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and neighboring counties
• Elections, ballots, and major policy debates affecting Atlanta residents

5. Schools and Education

Coverage often includes:

• News from Atlanta Public Schools (APS) and big districts like DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton
• School board decisions that affect zoning, curriculum, or safety
• School closings and delays during severe weather

6. Community and Culture

Atlanta’s TV stations frequently spotlight:

• Local events and festivals in places like Piedmont Park, Centennial Olympic Park, The BeltLine, and downtown neighborhoods
• Stories from Atlanta communities, nonprofits, and local businesses
• Arts, culture, and historical perspectives around Metro Atlanta

Getting Emergency and Public Safety Information

TV news in Atlanta plays a key role during emergencies—from major storms to public safety incidents. For more structured, official updates, reporters often reference agencies such as:

• City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office & Emergency Management
  City Hall: 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS)
  935 E Confederate Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316
• Fulton County Government
  141 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

During significant events, Atlanta TV news typically provides:

• Live press conferences with city and state officials
• Instructions on evacuations, shelter-in-place, and closures
• Information on where to find shelters or assistance centers when activated

TV news can be especially useful if you lose internet access and still have power and an antenna-connected TV.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Atlanta TV News

To make local TV news more useful in your daily routine in Atlanta:

• Pick a “home” station. Choose one or two local stations whose style and schedule fit your needs, so you know when to tune in.
• Use DVR or streaming replays. Record or watch later if morning or evening shows don’t fit your work hours.
• Combine TV with local alerts. TV news is a good complement to local text alerts and weather apps, especially during quickly evolving severe weather.
• Look for neighborhood-level coverage. Many stations tag stories by city or county; that helps you quickly find news for your area—whether you’re in Buckhead, West End, Decatur, Marietta, or Stone Mountain.
• Watch during big local events. For major happenings like sporting events, protests, festivals, or severe weather outbreaks, TV news usually offers live aerials, traffic reroutes, and safety information that are useful if you’re out and about.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta

If you’re just in Atlanta temporarily—staying at a hotel downtown, near the airport, in Midtown, Buckhead, or near Perimeter—you can still easily follow local TV news:

• Most hotels provide basic local channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS).
• You can use a hotel TV guide or the on-screen menu to find local news channels.
• If you’re relying on your phone or tablet, consider downloading local station apps to check weather, traffic, and major alerts during your stay.

This can help you plan around:

• Severe thunderstorms or extreme heat
• Large events that affect traffic or parking, such as major games, concerts, or conventions
• Transit issues if you’re using MARTA or rideshare services

Staying informed with Atlanta TV news gives you a clear picture of what’s happening across the metro area—from weather and traffic to city decisions and community stories—whether you live here full-time or are just passing through.