down South...

[jaded2]

anyone know anything about the Atlanta stations... or even Macon or Augusta? Just curious.

[News Is Broken]

They're in.. Atlanta?

OK, I admit I know nothing about this topic but I still thought it deserved a bump. Can anyone help this person out?

[(Not) Da Chief (Anymore)]

What do you want to know? I can tell you a lot! PM me, ok??? I don't often read this board.

[facts]

I know Macon.. there's only one station there that's worth going to (or at least that was the case some years ago).. WMAZ.

It has its oddities.. but it's got something like a 60% share. People call off press conferences if WMAZ doesn't show up. It's not like it's the number one station.. it's like it's the ONLY station.

Macon is a nice place.. close to Atlanta.. pleasant.. but if you're not used to the south.. it will be an adjustment. And hot, good God it's hot.

[tvjunkie]

I only know Augusta and WJBF (ABC) is the best. The have strong anchors and it's a good shop. People like working there and they tend to stick around. WAGT (NBC) is okay with WRDW (CBS) a bit less solid. The city is getting better all the time and the cost of living is great!

[MichaelPS]

That's an interesting combination of markets to want to know about. A 9, a 114 and a 121. Just curious, are you looking for a regional career arc, like moving from Macon to Augusta to Atlanta? If so, that might not work. Augusta and Macon are roughly lateral moves, and Atlanta would be a heckuva jump from either.

[Roy Hobbs]

Do you hail from Teheran?

Because after all, it's Iranian Night in Georgia...

[Reed Street]

Atlanta:

WSB-2 -- Powerhouse ABC station, owned by Cox. The station's enjoyed perennial ratings dominance. They're an interesting mix of flashing lights and crime along with good investigations and no-nonsense special reports. Anchor Monica Kaufman (Pearson) is one of the most recognized names in the region. She's leaving soon, so we'll see if Jovita Moore can help keep it up... I think she can. Lots of live shots for no apparent reason. News in HD with a spiffy new set and graphics. Relatively new facilities. "You're lucky to work here" mentality.

WAGA-5 -- A former CBS affiliate turned Fox O&O. A strong product and the only real choice for news at 10pm. I've heard of low photog pay but have seen pride from reporters and anchors. The most serious challenger to WSB. The station has its own identity in the market and has the only local 7-9 am morning news.

WXIA-11 -- The best-looking station I've ever seen in third place. First in Atlanta to broadcast news in HD. Owned by Gannett, meaning they're courting the VJ (aka: "backpack journalist") format. A while back, they canceled their 5pm news for syndicated talk. They have the only 7pm news in town. Good morning show. Station looks fine from the outside, but someone in the inside should be consulted before making a move.

WGCL-46 -- The Meredith station that provided CBS shows after WAGA switched. For years, this station struggled to get its foot in the door, but they seem to have found their own identity as of late. An aggressive team with an underdog can-do attitude, but they're light years away from WSB if being #1 matters to you.

[jaded2]

Thanks for all the information. I was asking about markets in general because I might have to move down to ATL for personal reasons, so just wanted to know what the options were. Thanks again.