If the rights to locally television the Major League Baseball games of the Atlanta Braves are said to be in play, that can only mean that the ownership of WPCH-TV is in play as well. The Channel 17 station was once the cable flagship of Turner Broadcasting Systems.
The rumors come courtesy of Atlanta Constitution sports writer David O’Brien, who made it known via Twitter that he’s hearing that the station, now known as Peachtree TV, may be on the block. O’Brien says that if it is sold, the 45 Braves games that it televises each season will find a new local home.
Even the 45 games shown on the station are a far cry from its high water mark, when Ted Turner used its basic cable ubiquity to try to build a national fan base for the Atlanta Braves. Back when the station was WTBS, it carries almost all of the team’s games.
The station is now an indy. Describing its programming, it says on its website, “Peachtree TV has become a fast favorite for the Atlanta audience with its blockbuster movies every night, prime-time shows, like Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, original specials which are shot and set in Atlanta, and live Atlanta Braves broadcasts. Peachtree TV’s line-up features a variety of hit sitcoms, including comedy series such as My Name is Earl, The Office, Seinfeld, Family Guy, The King of Queens, According to Jim, and The Cosby Show. Peachtree TV has also added its first drama series to the line-up, the critically acclaimed Law and Order: SVU. Plus, Peachtree TV now broadcasts year-round sports, with the addition of SEC football and basketball. With its diverse line-up, Peachtree TV has become an ideal destination for the local audience.”
