Opinion: WABE Celebrates 75 Years of Atlanta-Focused Content
Today, WABE, Atlanta’s choice for PBS and NPR and local news and stories, commemorates its 75th anniversary. From the establishment of WABE Studios and the expansion of its original video and audio offerings to its ongoing investment in award-winning local journalism, this community-funded public media creator showcased the strength of its portfolio at the WABE Preview ’24 event held at the prestigious Carter Center.
“The media landscape has undergone significant changes in the past 75 years, and as we envision WABE’s future, we are determined to bring more original, Atlanta-focused content than ever before,” stated Jennifer Dorian, President and CEO of WABE. “By investing in original programming and local award-winning journalism, we are well-equipped to adapt to new capabilities, transforming from just a ‘station’ to a streamer and studio. While our work is rooted locally, its value and authenticity resonate throughout our region and nation.”
This year, WABE Studios launched with an impressive lineup of original video and audio content, with plans to expand its podcasting slate to 25 shows by 2024. Underwriters, donors, partners, and supporters of WABE were treated to a sneak peek of the upcoming programming, which includes:
– WABE is thrilled to welcome radio legend Bill Nigut to the AJC’s Politically Georgia cast. Nigut will join Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, and Tia Mitchell in a new daily radio political show. Starting October 30, listeners can tune in to Politically Georgia live on 90.1 for insightful discussions.
– Coming this fall, WABE will premiere “The Podcast Where They Read Stories.” This daily storytime show for young listeners will feature notable Atlantans and local celebrities reading classic and contemporary children’s books. Each episode will also include mini-explainers to enhance children’s understanding of vocabulary words, historical figures, or other significant concepts.
– In collaboration with the Alliance Theatre, WABE is developing a podcast inspired by an upcoming production, exploring the story and themes in an engaging audio format.
– WABE is partnering with local comedic duo Mark Kendall and Bill Worley of Cool Cool Cool Productions to develop an exciting new podcast.
– Additionally, WABE is in the process of creating a local food show with top chef Max Hines from Breaker Breaker, one of Atlanta’s hottest new restaurants.
WABE Studios recently announced the addition of new voices to its portfolio, including podcasts such as “The Boom with Jewel Wicker,” “Wake Up & Create,” “Calls for Justice,” and “WABE 90.1 radio show Montgomery & Co. with Renee Montgomery,” featuring the former WNBA champion and now part owner of the Atlanta Dream.
Looking ahead to 2024, WABE is developing the (re)Defining History series. The pilot episode, “Uncovering the 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre,” will premiere on Sunday, September 24, 2023, on PBS/Channel 30. Subsequently, it will be available for streaming nationwide on wabe.org from October 1, 2023.
Fans of the Emmy-winning talk show, “Love & Respect with Killer Mike,” will be delighted to know that it will return for a second season. The show, which airs on over 50% of PBS member stations across the country, has garnered critical acclaim. [URL Link]
In early 2024, “Atlanta on Film” will make a comeback with nine new 2-hour episodes featuring films from more than two dozen Atlanta filmmakers. These episodes, curated by the Atlanta Film Festival and the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, will showcase the vibrant Atlanta film scene. [URL Link]
The popular music series “Sounds Like ATL” will also return for a second season in January. This season will feature 20 Atlanta artists from various genres, all recorded in a more intimate “unplugged” style in WABE’s Studio. [URL Link]
During the WABE Preview ’24 event, Lois Reitzes of WABE City Lights with Lois Reitzes and Rose Scott of WABE Closer Look with Rose Scott emphasized WABE’s commitment to arts and culture programming and community engagement.
Alex Helmick, WABE Managing Editor, took the stage to highlight WABE as one of the Southeast’s strongest newsrooms, delivering independent, fact-based journalism to Atlanta and beyond. With a team of 25, the award-winning newsroom produces over 2,000 local stories annually, with more than 200 of them carried nationally by NPR. The presentation also featured NPR’s Juana Summers, who joined WABE’s local NPR Morning Edition and NPR All Things Considered hosts Lisa Rayam and Jim Burress to discuss the national impact of local news reporting.
As WABE celebrates 75 years of serving the Atlanta community, its commitment to delivering high-quality, Atlanta-focused content remains stronger than ever. With its expanding roster of original programming and dedication to local journalism, WABE continues to be a vital source of information and entertainment for Atlanta and beyond.
URL Links:
– Bill Nigut’s Return to the Airwaves: [URL]
– New Voices Coming to WABE: [URL]
– Uncovering the 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre: [URL]
– Love & Respect with Killer Mike: [URL]
– Atlanta on Film: [URL]
– Sounds Like ATL: [URL]
https://podnews.net/press-release/wabe-studios