Public Broadcasting Atlanta has consolidated its operations under the WABE calls utilized by its Public News/Talk 90.1 WABE Atlanta.
The move sees its PBS station formerly known as “ATL PBA” WPBA become WABE-TV and merge their digital presences onto what had been the radio station’s platform. The stations also are rolling out a new “Amplifying Atlanta” marketing campaign for the stations created by local agencies and a sonic tag composed by Atlanta singer-songwriter/producer Chelsea Shag.
It’s a new day for public media in Atlanta. Today, Public Broadcasting Atlanta, Atlanta’s choice for NPR and PBS, announced its name change to WABE across all platforms. The move consolidates public-radio station WABE-90.1, public television station ATL-PBA and WABE.org under one umbrella WABE brand with the mission of AMPLIFYING ATLANTA as the station doubles its focus on Atlanta programming and experiences. A new podcast network featuring local creators is also in the works.
“Atlanta continues to garner a lot of national attention, and so has WABE with Pulitzer-Prize–winning journalism, nationally-broadcast political coverage, and strong, statewide news collaborations,” said Jennifer Dorian, CEO and president of WABE (formerly Public Broadcasting Atlanta). “We work hard to reflect and amplify greater Atlanta and its ongoing evolution. We are committed to putting WABE’s talent and resources toward coverage and content that stokes community attachment and civic participation. Uniting under one legacy brand (WABE) that is synonymous with the city, award-winning storytelling, and inclusive, diverse storytellers is the first of many planned steps in that direction.”
With its new look and AMPLIFYING ATLANTA tagline, WABE is rolling out a redesigned WABE.org, the hub for all things public media in Atlanta, including:
- Local news stories and events coverage
- NPR, PBS, BBC, PRX, and American Public Media shows
- Original, Atlanta-based programming such as the new Season 2 of Love & Respect with Killer Mike (10 p.m. Fridays on WABE TV), the Pulitzer-Prize–winning No Compromisepodcast, the Peabody-winning Buried Truths podcast, plus our popular City Lights, and Closer Look shows.
- Community events such as the new SOUNDS LIKE ATL live-music series and more.
Audiences can also follow the station on social channels at @WABENews for up-to-date news coverage and info and @WABEATL for original content and community information such as Amplifying Atlanta volunteer opportunities and WABE’s Celebrating Sustainers Month activities in February 2022.
The reboot of WABE’s brand was an Atlanta community affair. The station collaborated with local award-winning design agency Matchstic (Chick-fil-A, Ameris Bank, Boys, and Girls Club of America) on its new visual identity and messaging and digital agency IfThen (National Geographic, NBC Sports, Coca Cola) on the WABE.org redesign. Atlanta singer-songwriter/producer Chelsea Shag composed the station’s new sonic tag, and nationally renowned artist Fabian Williams created a limited-edition WABE AMPLIFYING ATLANTA design in honor of the relaunch.
“For my fellow artists and activists here in Atlanta, shows like City Lights and Closer Look are vital to keeping our communities connected to our work,” said Williams. “That’s why I was honored to be asked to represent how WABE amplifies the people and stories that make Atlanta ‘Atlanta’ and proud to support the station as a regular donor.”
