This Year on WABE: 2023
2023 was a big year for WABE! We celebrated our 75th anniversary as a radio station, and launched WABE Studios with a whole new slate of podcasts and video content. The WABE Newsroom covered the most important issues to Atlantans while highlighting how consequential Georgia remains in the national news sphere. Here are just a handful of stories, photos, television and podcasts we think stand out from this past year.
WABE Newsroom
Georgia V. Trump
A Fulton County grand jury indicted former President Donald Trump and 18 others in a case related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Georgia’s RICO law is the foundation of the 41-count indictment, in which D.A. Fani Willis alleges the defendants conspired to unlawfully change the outcome of the election in favor of Trump.
Conflict in the South River Forest
The conflict surrounding the controversial Atlanta Public Safety Training Center opponents have dubbed “Cop City” continues. 2023 saw the death of protester named Manuel “Tortuguita” Terán by a Georgia State Trooper, 61 other protesters indicted on RICO charges, a referendum campaign now stuck in legal limbo after garnering over 100,000 signatures from those who oppose the center and much more.
Beyond Pride
To take a deeper look at the issues affecting LGBTQ people in Georgia, a team of WABE reporters worked on a series of feature stories throughout June and beyond. This is a look behind the headlines.
Watch for the Hook
There’s no better example of Atlanta’s impression on mainstream pop culture than its rich past, present and definitive future shaping the world of hip-hop music. In the East Coast/West Coast hip-hop debate, ATL often gets overlooked but make no mistake — the South’s got something to say.
Remembering Rosalynn Carter
Rosalynn Carter, wife of former president Jimmy Carter, lifelong mental health advocate and co-founder of the Atlanta-based Carter Center, died at age 96 at her home in Plains, Ga. on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023.
Carter was a trailblazer in leading more than five decades of national advocacy for mental health awareness, destigmatization and policy reform –– a cause she picked up as the first lady of Georgia, carried on as first lady of the United States and continued championing as a private citizen through her work at The Carter Center.
Politics
WABE Politics Desk
Health
WABE Health Reporter
Environment
WABE Environment Desk
Education
WABE Education Reporter
Immigration
WABE Immigration Reporter
Business
WABE Business Reporter
Community
Criminal Justice
WABE Criminal Justice Reporter
Housing
WABE Housing Reporter
Sports
Podcasts/Radio
Closer Look with Rose Scott
“Closer Look with Rose Scott” brings you the issues that impact where we live, how we interact, and how we can all thrive. It’s not just about Atlanta; it’s a program for Atlanta. Rose connects with community leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and people who don’t often get a platform, and she brings you in on the conversation.
City Lights with Lois Reitzes
“City Lights” explores the creative fabric of Atlanta – our expressive, diverse, influential city. WABE host Lois Reitzes covers pop culture, music, theater, dance, visual arts, food and more.
Political Breakfast
Every Wednesday morning on “Political Breakfast“, veteran Atlanta journalist Lisa Rayam, Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson and Republican strategist Brian Robinson deliver Georgia’s best analysis of local politics with a weekly dose of informed, respectful and lively discussion.
The Brief
“The Brief” from WABE brings you daily news with context from Atlanta’s public media outlet and NPR member station. Updated daily before 7 p.m. with a look at what is happening in the metro Atlanta area brought to you by your WABE News Team.
Week in Review
Each week, WABE’s managing editor Alex Helmick takes a look at the work from his team of award-winning reporters, producers and hosts.
The Boom
From WABE Studios, “The Boom” is a weekly look at Atlanta’s growing film and television industry, through trending topics and origin stories of local filmmakers, cast, and crew. Hosted by entertainment and culture reporter Jewel Wicker.
Wake Up & Create
“Wake Up & Create” features curated excerpts from the CreativeMornings Atlanta speaker archives, diving into a short selection of the most powerful, insightful, and light-hearted stories from our speakers. Listen in for inspiration and a jumpstart to your day from Atlanta-based creatives, entrepreneurs, doers, and thinkers.
On Leadership
An insightful exchange with Atlanta leaders about industry, innovation and lessons on achieving success.
How Do You Atlanta?
From WABE and Rough Draft, “How Do You Atlanta?” keeps you up to date on what’s happening in and around the city. Every Thursday, join Rough Draft’s Sammie Purcell and WABE contributor Mike Jordan as they preview their picks for the top upcoming events in Atlanta.
