WABE Preview ‘23 Event Showcases Growth & Digital Offerings

Foundational growth strategy strengthens investment in local journalism, original, Atlanta-centered video and podcast content

(9/29/2022)—Expanded local news coverage, new podcasts in collaboration with the Atlanta Business Chronicle and the Alliance Theatre, new digital and television news and culture shows along with the launch of a weekly, online news quiz were some of the new programming highlighted at the WABE Preview ‘23 event, held Thursday, September 29, at the Atlanta–Fulton County Central Library.  

The event’s theme, “Amplifying Atlanta,” reinforces how WABE, Atlanta’s choice for NPR (WABE 90.1FM) and PBS (Channel 30), and its digital hub, wabe.org, play vital, critical roles in connecting Atlantans metro-wide to Atlanta.  

WABE underwriters, donors, partners and supporters received a sneak peek into the station’s new digital-forward content strategy, including:  

  • Five (5) new streamable video shows:  
  1. Closer Look Weekly—Rose Scott expands her popular show to television with a weekly exploration of Atlanta issues and profiles of Atlantans making a difference 
  1. City Lights Weekend—Lois Reitzes and her team explore what’s happening each week in Atlanta’s lively arts scene 
  1. WABE Reports —Newsmagazine highlighting the award-winning journalism of the WABE News team. 
  1. Atlanta on Film—Features, shorts and in-depth interviews from Atlanta’s film community 
  1. Our Culture, Our Food (working title)—An exploration of Atlanta’s food culture through the eyes of its diverse chefs and foodie community 
  • WABE Studios Podcast network—four original podcasts in development, including co-productions with the Atlanta Business Chronicle and the Alliance Theatre.  
  • New WABE Daily Digest e-letter  
  • New WABE News Quiz—weekly on Fridays 

“All of WABE is energized about these new opportunities for underwriters and audiences to connect with our content and programming online and off, “said Jennifer Dorian, WABE CEO and president. “WABE is investing heavily in amplifying Atlanta’s stories and creators, transforming our content and delivery with a focus on digital platforms and channels, and leading the region in non-profit, independent journalism to better serve Atlantans throughout the metro.” 

Lois Reitzes of WABE City Lights with Lois Reitzes and Rose Scott of WABE Closer Look with Rose Scott made appearances. NPR Chief Economics Correspondent Scott Horsley, Marketplace Correspondent Kimberly Adams and WABE’s local NPR Morning Edition and NPR All Things Considered hosts Lisa Rayam and Jim Burress talked about the national impact of local news reporting. WABE News political team—Susanna Capelouto, Rahul Bali, Sam Gringlas—and Political Breakfast podcast co-host Brian Robinson also took to the stage to share coverage plans and predictions for the upcoming November elections.  

WABE leaders Jennifer Dorian, CEO/President; Scott Woelfel, Chief Content Officer; Jared Blass, Senior Vice President, Philanthropy & Corporate Support; Sherri Daye Scott, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications; Glenda Davis, Vice President, Membership Operations; and Amy Davis, Director, Foundation Relations & Grants presented an array of news and announcements, notably:  

  • Debut of the How Do You Atlanta? weekly radio and video segment co-hosted by culture writer Mike Jordan and Atlanta Intown correspondent Sammie Purcell (Oct. 2022) 
  • Season 4 of Buried Truths podcast premiering Winter 2022 
  • WABE’s 75th Anniversary celebration (Jan.–Sept. 2023) 
  • Growth of WABE 360 underwriting program—reaching almost 1M+ /month across streaming, podcasts, website and e-newsletters 
  • Return of Sounds Like ATL and Tech Rides    

“Our strategy is to grow our news team to cover more stories that matter to more people and seek out new voices and new creators to uncover stories previously untold and deliver them in ways that connect with modern audiences,” said Scott Woelfel, WABE Chief Content Officer. “That’s how we best serve the metro Atlanta community, by offering a trusted, inclusive alternative to commercial media.” 

ABOUT WABE 

WABE, formerly Public Broadcasting Atlanta (PBA), operates public media stations WABE (90.1FM) and WABE TV (Channel 30), Atlanta’s original, independent, non-profit sources for news and local stories and choice for NPR and PBS. Our stations deliver fact-based journalism and inclusive, engaging, cultural content that informs, inspires, reflects, and empowers the millions who call the Greater Atlanta area home. WABE’s programs, podcasts, and events make Atlanta’s stories and storytellers accessible and relevant across a variety of platforms for our diverse audience of listeners, viewers, visitors, and members. Go to www.wabe.org for additional information.