Your Guide to CBS46 Atlanta News (Now Atlanta News First)

If you search for “CBS46 Atlanta News”, you’re really looking for what is now known as Atlanta News First, the Atlanta CBS affiliate that covers local news, weather, and sports for the metro area. For many Atlanta residents, this station is one of the main ways to stay informed about what’s happening in the city and across Georgia.

This guide explains how CBS46/Atlanta News First works in Atlanta, how to watch it, what kinds of coverage you can expect, and how it fits into the broader local news landscape.

What Is CBS46 / Atlanta News First?

CBS46 was the long‑time on‑air name of WGCL-TV, the CBS television affiliate in Atlanta. The station has since been rebranded as Atlanta News First, but it still:

• Carries CBS network programming (such as national news, prime-time shows, and sports)
• Produces local Atlanta newscasts throughout the day
• Covers metro Atlanta and surrounding communities in north and central Georgia

For an Atlanta resident, CBS46/Atlanta News First is a source for:

• Breaking local news in the city and suburbs
• Weather updates, including severe weather alerts
• Traffic conditions on major highways like I‑285, I‑75, I‑85, GA‑400
• Sports coverage for teams such as the Falcons, Hawks, Braves, Atlanta United, and local colleges

Where Is CBS46 (Atlanta News First) Located in Atlanta?

The CBS46 / Atlanta News First studios and newsroom are in midtown Atlanta, a common hub for media and corporate offices.

While locations can change over time, the station is generally based inside the perimeter, with easy access to major routes so crews can quickly reach breaking news across the metro region.

If you are:

• A resident interested in community stories: this is where many of those news segments are produced.
• A visitor curious about local media: the studios are part of Atlanta’s broader media corridor, not far from other broadcast and corporate offices.
• Trying to contact the station: most people use email, online contact forms, or phone numbers listed by the station rather than visiting in person.

For the most current street address or mailing details, check the station’s “Contact” or “About” information through its official channels, as media offices sometimes relocate or update access instructions.

How to Watch CBS46 / Atlanta News First in Atlanta

Whether you live in the city, the suburbs, or are just visiting, there are multiple ways to watch CBS46/Atlanta News First.

1. Over-the-Air (Free Antenna TV)

If you use an antenna in Atlanta, you can watch the station for free as a broadcast channel.

Typical steps:

1. Connect a digital TV antenna.
2. Run a channel scan from your TV’s menu.
3. Look for the CBS affiliate listing for the Atlanta market (often represented as a “46.x” virtual channel or similar, depending on your TV).

This is a good option if:

• You live inside or near the Perimeter (I‑285) and get a strong signal.
• You want local news without cable or streaming subscriptions.

2. Cable and Satellite Providers

Most Metro Atlanta cable and satellite packages include the CBS affiliate in their basic lineups. On these services, CBS46/Atlanta News First appears on different channel numbers depending on your provider.

You can usually find it by:

• Searching “CBS” in your TV guide.
• Checking your provider’s lineup under the Atlanta DMA (designated market area).
• Looking up “CBS46” or “Atlanta News First” in the on‑screen search.

This method is most common for:

• Residents in apartment buildings with bundled TV services
• Households with traditional cable or satellite

3. Streaming and Digital Options

For many Atlantans, streaming is the primary way to access local news. While offerings change over time, typical options include:

• Live TV streaming services that carry local broadcast stations in the Atlanta area
• The station’s own news app or website, which often includes:
  • Live newscast streams
  • On‑demand clips
  • Weather and traffic updates
• Smart TV apps where local news content may be available as a live channel or news hub

If you’re traveling in or out of Atlanta, these digital options can make it easier to:

• Keep up with weather and traffic before you head out
• Follow breaking news affecting flights, events, or major roads
• Stay connected to Atlanta news while you’re out of town

What Kind of News Does CBS46 / Atlanta News First Cover?

For someone in Atlanta, content type matters more than brand names. Here’s what you can typically expect the station to cover day-to-day.

Local and Metro Atlanta News

Coverage usually includes:

• City government and politics

  • Atlanta City Council decisions
  • Mayor’s office announcements
  • Major policy changes that impact taxes, services, public safety

• Regional news in surrounding counties, such as:

  • Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton
  • North metro counties like Cherokee, Forsyth, and Paulding
  • South metro and exurban areas when stories are significant to the region

• Crime and public safety

  • Major incidents in city neighborhoods and suburbs
  • Updates from agencies like the Atlanta Police Department, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, and Georgia State Patrol
  • Public alerts, suspect descriptions, and safety reminders

For residents, these stories help you understand:

• Which areas are experiencing increased incidents
• How local leaders are addressing safety and development
• How specific neighborhoods are changing over time

Weather Coverage for Atlanta

Atlanta’s weather can shift quickly, especially with severe thunderstorms, tornado risk, or winter weather that affects roads.

On CBS46/Atlanta News First, you’ll generally see:

• Detailed daily and 7-day forecasts for Atlanta and the suburbs
• Morning weather updates, focused on commute times
• Coverage of severe storms with radar visuals
• Special reports on:
  • Hurricane impacts moving inland into Georgia
  • Heat advisories during summer
  • Freezing rain or snow events that may affect I‑20, I‑75, I‑85, or I‑285

Many Atlanta residents rely on this kind of coverage to:

• Decide when to leave for work or school
• Plan around MARTA, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and major highway conditions
• Prepare for power outages or storm-related impacts

Traffic and Commuter Information

Because Atlanta is known for heavy traffic, CBS46/Atlanta News First typically includes:

• Morning traffic segments showing real‑time conditions
• Reports on incidents, closures, and construction along:
  • I‑285 perimeter
  • Downtown Connector (I‑75/85)
  • GA‑400, I‑20, and key surface streets
• Updates that help you decide:
  • Which route to take from the suburbs into Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead
  • Whether delays might affect work, school, or events

Sports in the Atlanta Area

Sports coverage usually focuses on:

• Professional teams

  • Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
  • Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
  • Atlanta Braves (MLB)
  • Atlanta United FC (MLS)

• College athletics

  • Georgia Tech in Midtown Atlanta
  • Other major Georgia programs when relevant to Atlanta audiences

• High school sports

  • Local games and championships in Atlanta Public Schools and suburban districts

This is valuable if you’re:

• Following local sports storylines and player updates
• Tracking how traffic or events near stadiums may affect your plans
• Interested in community-level athletics around metro schools

Community, Culture, and Events

Atlanta News First (formerly CBS46) often features:

• Local community events, festivals, and seasonal activities
  • Events in areas like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Westside, East Atlanta, and surrounding suburbs
• Stories on local businesses, nonprofits, and neighborhood initiatives
• Coverage of education, including news from:
  • Atlanta Public Schools (APS)
  • Major private schools and suburban districts

For a visitor or new resident, this is a quick way to:

• Discover what’s going on around the city
• Learn how different neighborhoods are evolving
• Hear about issues affecting schools, housing, and development

Typical Atlanta Newscast Schedule and What You Get

Exact times can vary, but a typical Atlanta CBS affiliate schedule includes:

For people living or staying in Atlanta, this means:

• Morning: Plan your commute, check school news, and see overnight updates.
• Evening: Catch up on what happened across the metro area while you were at work.

How CBS46 / Atlanta News First Fits into the Atlanta News Landscape

Atlanta has multiple TV stations, radio outlets, newspapers, and digital news sources. CBS46/Atlanta News First is one piece of that landscape.

What makes it useful to you as an Atlanta consumer:

• It is a major broadcast outlet with citywide reach.
• It offers a combination of:
  • Local Atlanta reporting
  • National CBS News content
  • Specialty segments on weather, traffic, and consumer issues

As a viewer, you might:

• Use CBS46/Atlanta News First for daily local updates
• Pair it with other Atlanta news sources for additional perspectives
• Rely on it during breaking weather or emergency situations when real‑time TV coverage is crucial

When and Why an Atlanta Resident Might Contact the Station

People in Atlanta sometimes contact CBS46/Atlanta News First for:

• News tips

  • Reporting local issues or concerns
  • Suggesting story ideas about neighborhoods, schools, or businesses

• Community coverage requests

  • Highlighting events, charity work, or local initiatives

• Technical or reception issues

  • Questions about over‑the‑air signal
  • Problems receiving the station on certain platforms

Common options to reach the station include:

• Phone numbers listed for news tips or assignment desks
• General station or newsroom email addresses
• Online forms available via the station’s official contact page

If you’re in Atlanta and want your neighborhood story seen, this is usually the path to suggest coverage.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of CBS46 / Atlanta News First in Atlanta

Here are some practical ways to use the station as an Atlanta resident or visitor:

• Plan your commute 🚗
  Watch or stream the morning newscast for traffic and weather before heading onto I‑285, GA‑400, or the Downtown Connector.

• Monitor severe weather ⛈️
  During thunderstorms, tornado watches, or icy conditions, keep the station on for live radar and safety information tailored to specific Atlanta neighborhoods and counties.

• Stay informed about local decisions
  Use early evening newscasts to track city council actions, school issues, zoning changes, and other developments that affect taxes, services, or property.

• Follow big events and festivals
  Check coverage for major Atlanta events that can impact traffic and safety, such as sporting events, parades, and concerts.

• Track local sports
  Catch highlights and commentary after Falcons, Braves, Hawks, or Atlanta United games, especially if you miss national coverage.

If you live in Atlanta or spend time in the city, CBS46 (now Atlanta News First) is a central source for staying on top of local news, weather, and daily life. Understanding how to access it—and what it offers—helps you make more informed decisions about your commute, safety, and what’s happening in your community.