Did you know WSB-TV the iconic Atlanta news station started broadcasting on September 29 1948? It wasn’t always on channel 2. WSB-TV initially aired on channel 8. It was Georgia’s first television station and only the second south of Washington DC. Imagine the excitement the pioneering spirit of those early days. This station was founded by James M Cox the publisher of The Atlanta Journal. He also owned WSB radio a powerhouse in its own right. Cox Enterprises owned both radio and television under Miami Valley Broadcasting Inc later renamed Cox Media Group. WSB-TV initially held a primary NBC affiliation thanks to its radio sister’s long standing relationship with NBC Radio.
The station’s early years weren’t without challenges. A complex legal situation involving the purchase of another Atlanta newspaper The Atlanta Constitution led to a fascinating switch. Cox acquired WCON-TV’s construction permit for channel 2. This was necessary because the FCC at the time prohibited the sale of television station construction permits. To make the switch WSB-TV sold its channel 8 license and moved its operations to channel 2 in 1951. This wasn’t a simple transaction. Legal battles ensued with competitors seeking to claim the channel. The move to channel 2 drastically improved WSB-TV’s coverage area expanding its reach significantly across Georgia and into parts of neighboring states.
WSB-TV’s home has also evolved over the years. In 1956 it moved into the distinctive “White Columns” building a beautiful example of Colonial Revival architecture. It remained there for 43 years a landmark in Atlanta’s landscape. In 1998 a modern concrete and glass facility was constructed next to it. The original columns were preserved in a garden area. The station has made history broadcasting the first live color broadcast in Georgia in 1965. The station later switched from NBC to ABC becoming the second-largest ABC affiliate by market size.
Today WSB-TV continues its legacy as Atlanta’s top-rated local television station. It broadcasts numerous hours of local news daily. It’s a testament to its commitment to its viewers. It’s a vibrant part of Atlanta’s history a place that has seen incredible changes. It has witnessed the city’s growth its triumphs and its challenges. WSB-TV more than just a news station it’s a window to Atlanta’s soul. Its history is a compelling story of innovation legal battles and ultimately success. A success that continues to resonate in the Atlanta community today.