Latest news with #WANF
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CBS to Create CBS Atlanta, Move Affiliation from WANF to WUPA
Gray Media's Atlanta television station WANF will end its 31-year affiliation with the CBS Network to become an independent television station. Gray said that going forward, WANF will leverage its local news operation, complete control of its daily program schedule, and the resources of the locally based Gray Media to better serve the local community with on-air and online content throughout the day that is more responsive to the growing Atlanta metropolis. "As residents of Atlanta along with our families, this company's leadership and our corporate colleagues have been keenly focused on improving what we watch every day on WANF and its sister station, WPCH PeachtreeTV," said Gray's executive chairman Hilton Howell. "We are excited to now take WANF in a new direction that puts full control of the station's offerings in local hands and that allows us to expand our investment in local news, weather and sports by, for and about the people who, like us, live in Greater Atlanta." The affiliation is changing from Gray's WANF to CBS-owned WUPA on August 16. It will also include launch of CBS News Atlanta streaming channel. Gray said it anticipates making additional financial and other resource investments in WANF to enable it to "transition successfully to a strong independent local television station." WUPA will be branded as CBS Atlanta and include the upcoming launch of the CBS News Atlanta streaming channel, "a comprehensive news experience that will keep the Atlanta community updated on the latest regional weather, traffic, local and breaking news." "Launching our first owned CBS station in Atlanta is a milestone moment for us," said Jennifer Mitchell, president of CBS Stations and CBS News and Stations Digital. "This expansion allows us to bring the full strength of CBS' award-winning news, sports and entertainment programming directly to one of the most vibrant and influential markets in the country. With WUPA and the launch of the CBS News Atlanta streaming channel, we're not just delivering content - we're investing in the community, local journalism and ensuring Atlanta viewers receive the same trusted, high-quality journalism that defines CBS in every market we serve." WUPA's live linear feed will also be available on Paramount+, in addition to an expansive slate of original series, hit shows and movies from Paramount Global's portfolio of popular brands.
Business Upturn
02-06-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
WANF Expands its Commitment to Atlanta News First As an Independent Local Television Station in Gray Media's Home Market of Atlanta
ATLANTA, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On August 15, 2025, Gray Media's local television station WANF will end its 31-year affiliation with the CBS Network to begin a new chapter as an independent television station. Going forward, WANF will leverage its successful local news operation, complete control of its daily program schedule, and the resources of the locally based Gray Media to better serve the local community with on-air and online content throughout the day that is more responsive to the growing Atlanta metropolis. 'As residents of Atlanta along with our families, this company's leadership and our corporate colleagues have been keenly focused on improving what we watch every day on WANF and its sister station, WPCH PeachtreeTV,' said Gray's Executive Chairman Hilton Howell. 'We are excited to now take WANF in a new direction that puts full control of the station's offerings in local hands and that allows us to expand our investment in local news, weather and sports by, for and about the people who, like us, live in Greater Atlanta.' Gray anticipates making additional financial and other resource investments in WANF to enable it to transition successfully to a strong independent local television station. Gray's leadership expects that WANF will join the ranks of other local independent news stations that rank among the most viewed stations in their local markets. Former network affiliates like Gray-owned KTVK in Phoenix, WJXT in Jacksonville, and WHDH in Boston are all highly-rated independent stations that have flourished with a strong local news presence. Gray's Co-CEO Pat LaPlatney explained, 'Since acquiring WANF and WPCH in December 2021, Gray has invested tens of millions of dollars to reinvigorate the stations and expand their capabilities. Three years ago, WANF adopted its current call sign to emphasize its new commitment to delivering Atlanta News First. This is not just a slogan, it's the philosophy for the entire organization. The next chapter as an independent station allows WANF to deliver on that commitment more fully, and our experience and our research make us optimistic that viewers and advertisers will increasingly turn to WANF as a result.' Since Gray acquired the stations just three and one-half years ago, Gray and the local team running WANF and WPCH have transformed the stations' offerings, greatly increased their visibility and preferences among local audiences, and delivered important and valued contributions to the community. A few examples include the following: Increasing by 50 percent the number of hours of regularly scheduled local newscasts each week on the stations, from 40 to 60 hours each week; Adding 5 hours of Local News Live newscasts that features stories from across Gray's footprint of local stations and adding 5 hours weekly of Gray's thirty-minute investigative program InvestigateTV+; Creating the largest weather team in the Southeast; Adding original non-news programming including 'ATL Live' and 'Monica Pearson One-on-One;' Adding over 50 new jobs; Acquiring, integrating, and expanding Telemundo Atlanta; Launching Peachtree Sports Network that includes new partnerships with local fan-favorites including the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Dream, various Atlanta area high school sports and many other pro-sports teams across the Atlanta area; and Featuring original award-winning journalism that has captured duPont-Columbia Awards, Regional and National Edward R. Murrow Awards, Regional Emmys, nominations for a National Emmy and a Peabody, as well as awards from the Investigative Reporters and Editors, Inc., the National Association of Black Journalists, the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation, and the Georgia Association of Broadcasters. Erik Schrader, General Manager of WANF and WPCH, observed, 'WANF Atlanta News First is an established, local brand that epitomizes Gray's mission of delivering the trusted local news and information that matters most to our local viewers. Journalism is the heart of what we do across 113 markets. Today's announcement allows us to expand on what we already do best, namely deliver high quality local news, sports, weather and other programming that our viewers deserve.' Gray anticipates that, net of anticipated investments in the Atlanta operation, transitioning WANF as an independent station will further the company's efforts to reduce leverage, improve its balance sheet, and expand its financial flexibility. Cautionary Statements for Purposes of the 'Safe Harbor' Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act: This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that are based largely on Gray's current expectations and reflect various estimates and assumptions by Gray. These statements are statements other than those of historical fact and may be identified by words such as 'estimates,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'anticipate,' 'will,' 'implied,' 'assume' and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results and achievements to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such risks, trends and uncertainties, which in some instances are beyond Gray's control include Gray's ability to continue to successfully invest in local news, weather and sports reporting, and other future events. Gray is subject to additional risks and uncertainties described in Gray's quarterly and annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including in the 'Risk Factors,' and management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations sections contained therein, which reports are made publicly available via its website, Any forward-looking statements in this communication should be evaluated in light of these important risk factors. This press release reflects management's views as of the date hereof. Except to the extent required by applicable law, Gray undertakes no obligation to update or revise any information contained in this communication beyond the date hereof, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. About Gray Media: Gray Media, Inc. (NYSE: GTN) is a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company is the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets serving 113 television markets that collectively reach approximately 37 percent of US television households. The portfolio includes 78 markets with the top-rated television station and 99 markets with the first and/or second highest rated television station during 2024, as well as the largest Telemundo Affiliate group with 44 markets. The company also owns Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies with the most advanced digital products and services. Gray's additional media properties include video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, and studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios. For more information, please visit Gray Contacts: Erik Schrader, General Manager of WANF and WPCH, 404-327-3100 Sandy Breland, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, 404-266-8333 Jeffrey R. Gignac, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, 404-504-9828 Kevin P. Latek, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal and Development Officer, 404-266-8333 # # # Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WANF Expands its Commitment to Atlanta News First As an Independent Local Television Station in Gray Media's Home Market of Atlanta
ATLANTA, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On August 15, 2025, Gray Media's local television station WANF will end its 31-year affiliation with the CBS Network to begin a new chapter as an independent television station. Going forward, WANF will leverage its successful local news operation, complete control of its daily program schedule, and the resources of the locally based Gray Media to better serve the local community with on-air and online content throughout the day that is more responsive to the growing Atlanta metropolis. 'As residents of Atlanta along with our families, this company's leadership and our corporate colleagues have been keenly focused on improving what we watch every day on WANF and its sister station, WPCH PeachtreeTV,' said Gray's Executive Chairman Hilton Howell. 'We are excited to now take WANF in a new direction that puts full control of the station's offerings in local hands and that allows us to expand our investment in local news, weather and sports by, for and about the people who, like us, live in Greater Atlanta.' Gray anticipates making additional financial and other resource investments in WANF to enable it to transition successfully to a strong independent local television station. Gray's leadership expects that WANF will join the ranks of other local independent news stations that rank among the most viewed stations in their local markets. Former network affiliates like Gray-owned KTVK in Phoenix, WJXT in Jacksonville, and WHDH in Boston are all highly-rated independent stations that have flourished with a strong local news presence. Gray's Co-CEO Pat LaPlatney explained, 'Since acquiring WANF and WPCH in December 2021, Gray has invested tens of millions of dollars to reinvigorate the stations and expand their capabilities. Three years ago, WANF adopted its current call sign to emphasize its new commitment to delivering Atlanta News First. This is not just a slogan, it's the philosophy for the entire organization. The next chapter as an independent station allows WANF to deliver on that commitment more fully, and our experience and our research make us optimistic that viewers and advertisers will increasingly turn to WANF as a result.' Since Gray acquired the stations just three and one-half years ago, Gray and the local team running WANF and WPCH have transformed the stations' offerings, greatly increased their visibility and preferences among local audiences, and delivered important and valued contributions to the community. A few examples include the following: Increasing by 50 percent the number of hours of regularly scheduled local newscasts each week on the stations, from 40 to 60 hours each week; Adding 5 hours of Local News Live newscasts that features stories from across Gray's footprint of local stations and adding 5 hours weekly of Gray's thirty-minute investigative program InvestigateTV+; Creating the largest weather team in the Southeast; Adding original non-news programming including 'ATL Live' and 'Monica Pearson One-on-One;' Adding over 50 new jobs; Acquiring, integrating, and expanding Telemundo Atlanta; Launching Peachtree Sports Network that includes new partnerships with local fan-favorites including the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Dream, various Atlanta area high school sports and many other pro-sports teams across the Atlanta area; and Featuring original award-winning journalism that has captured duPont-Columbia Awards, Regional and National Edward R. Murrow Awards, Regional Emmys, nominations for a National Emmy and a Peabody, as well as awards from the Investigative Reporters and Editors, Inc., the National Association of Black Journalists, the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation, and the Georgia Association of Broadcasters. Erik Schrader, General Manager of WANF and WPCH, observed, 'WANF Atlanta News First is an established, local brand that epitomizes Gray's mission of delivering the trusted local news and information that matters most to our local viewers. Journalism is the heart of what we do across 113 markets. Today's announcement allows us to expand on what we already do best, namely deliver high quality local news, sports, weather and other programming that our viewers deserve.' Gray anticipates that, net of anticipated investments in the Atlanta operation, transitioning WANF as an independent station will further the company's efforts to reduce leverage, improve its balance sheet, and expand its financial flexibility. Cautionary Statements for Purposes of the 'Safe Harbor' Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act: This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that are based largely on Gray's current expectations and reflect various estimates and assumptions by Gray. These statements are statements other than those of historical fact and may be identified by words such as 'estimates,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'anticipate,' 'will,' 'implied,' 'assume' and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results and achievements to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such risks, trends and uncertainties, which in some instances are beyond Gray's control include Gray's ability to continue to successfully invest in local news, weather and sports reporting, and other future events. Gray is subject to additional risks and uncertainties described in Gray's quarterly and annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including in the 'Risk Factors,' and management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations sections contained therein, which reports are made publicly available via its website, Any forward-looking statements in this communication should be evaluated in light of these important risk factors. This press release reflects management's views as of the date hereof. Except to the extent required by applicable law, Gray undertakes no obligation to update or revise any information contained in this communication beyond the date hereof, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. About Gray Media: Gray Media, Inc. (NYSE: GTN) is a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company is the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets serving 113 television markets that collectively reach approximately 37 percent of US television households. The portfolio includes 78 markets with the top-rated television station and 99 markets with the first and/or second highest rated television station during 2024, as well as the largest Telemundo Affiliate group with 44 markets. The company also owns Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies with the most advanced digital products and services. Gray's additional media properties include video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, and studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios. For more information, please visit Gray Contacts: Erik Schrader, General Manager of WANF and WPCH, 404-327-3100Sandy Breland, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, 404-266-8333Jeffrey R. Gignac, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, 404-504-9828 Kevin P. Latek, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal and Development Officer, 404-266-8333 # # #Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Miami Herald
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Son of actor from ‘The Wire' thrown 300 feet by Georgia tornado. ‘Wish it was me'
An actor best known for his work on 'The Wire' is asking for prayers after his son was thrown several hundred feet from their Georgia home during a tornado. Tray Chaney, who played 'Poot' on the hit HBO series, said his 18-year-old son, Malachi Chaney, suffered broken ribs and a fractured bone in his face after the twister touched down Thursday, May 29, near Locust Grove, WANF reported. The teen was found 300 feet away in the woods behind the house, his dad said. He remained in the ICU on May 30 with his mother and father at his side. 'I can't get myself together right now I wish it was me that was in ICU rather than him,' Tray Chaney said in a statement posted on his Instagram page. 'I crawled from under my house with a big knot on my head, vomiting but his injuries are much more (worse).' Tray Chaney also shared video of the damage, showing a pile of rubble and debris where the family's home once stood. The tornado struck at about 3:30 p.m, carving a path just west of Interstate 75 between Locust Grove and McDonough, Keith Stellman, meteorologist in charge at the National Weather Service's Atlanta office, told McClatchy News. Crews were still assessing the damage as of May 30. Much of the Atlanta metro area was under severe weather alerts the afternoon of May 29, including a tornado warning for Henry County, according to NWS Atlanta. Tray Chaney said what began as a fun day with his son was suddenly upended by the violent storm. 'I was unconscious on the ground with my face in the mud with parts of my house on top of me,' he wrote, recalling the frightening incident. 'I woke up in a panic crawled from under my house screaming my son's name out.' 'Hug your loved ones now,' Tray Chaney wrote. 'Life just changed for me & mine! We'll never be the same.' Locust Grove is about a 40-mile drove southeast from downtown Atlanta.
Daily Mirror
27-04-2025
- Daily Mirror
Man 'knowingly gave AIDS to cancer survivor wife' – now he's charged with murder
Sheriffs in Rockdale County, Georgia, allege Cleveland Broadie deliberately infected his cancer survivor wife Denise with AIDS having known about his diagnosis since 2006 A man has been charged with murder after prosecutors alleged he knowingly gave his wife AIDS, causing her death after she beat cancer for a second time. Cleveland Broadie, from Georgia, US, was initially charged with reckless conduct after his wife Denise Broadie died in April 2022 just days after she was diagnosed with the fatal disease. Mrs Broadie's family had long suspected Broadie, in his 60s, had an undisclosed HIV infection following the couple's 2014 marriage, and were so convinced after her death that they hired a private investigator. Now, a federal grand jury has charged him of malice murder and felony murder. Mrs Broadie, who battled cancer twice, remained unwell after her second bout in 2019 and went to a new hospital for a check-up, with doctors ordering a battery of tests. She was finally diagnosed with AIDS on March 31, 2022, which an arrest warrant seen by Law&Crime stated "resulted in her death" on April 2. Her family believes she could have been living with AIDS none the wiser for several years, during which she could have received critical treatment. They allege Broadie never told her the truth, with Georgian media outlet WAGA reporting that Mrs Broadie's family hired a private investigator to look into Broadie's past following her death. Karen Young, her daughter, alleged there was no question about where her mother had contracted the disease, alleging there was "malice" in what Broadie did. She said: "There was malice in what he did. At any time, he could have told her and given her the right to make the decision to stay with him. Not that she would have." Law&Crime reports court records show Broadie was taken into custody on July 8, 2023, and first charged with three counts of reckless conduct relating to Mrs Broadie's 2022 death, all of which were filed in 2023. Prosecutors at the time had alleged he had never informed his sexual partners of his HIV positive status since knowing of the diagnosis since 2006. Another local outlet, WANF, adds that a second woman later came forward after, prompting a second reckless conduct charge from Rockdale County Sheriffs, with a third following and another woman not long after. The third warrant, issued on September 5, 2023, alleged Broadie "consciously disregarded unjustifiable risk" during sexual encounters as early as March. Rockdale County Attorney's Office said it intends to seek murder charges on Mrs Broadie's behalf, and each of the three charges are felonies that come with a maximum prison sentence of five years per count, 15 years in total. Broadie pleaded not guilty to three reckless conduct charges, it has not yet been confirmed how he has pleaded for the murder charges. He will go before a judge at the Rockdale County Courthouse on Monday, November 6.
