The television landscape in Atlanta experienced a historic shake-up on August 16, 2025, as WANF (Channel 46.1) officially ended its affiliation with CBS and reverted to independent status. This change marks the close of more than three decades of WANF’s identity as Atlanta’s CBS outlet and introduces a new chapter for both the station and the network’s presence in the city. The transition is part of a wider realignment in broadcast media, as CBS sought to take direct ownership of its local affiliate in a key market.
The CBS affiliation has now shifted to WUPA (Channel 69), which has rebranded itself as “CBS Atlanta.” For CBS, the move is significant because it allows the network to operate its own station in a market where it previously relied on partnerships. The station is expected to launch a dedicated local news division and expand its digital reach with the rollout of “CBS News Atlanta” streaming services. This development gives CBS greater control over how its brand and news content are delivered to Atlanta-area viewers, while also ensuring that its national programming is paired with a local newsroom capable of producing daily coverage.
For WANF, the disaffiliation has prompted a reimagining of its strategy. No longer carrying CBS’s national programming, WANF has announced a major expansion of its local news operations. The station will increase its news output from roughly 66 hours per week to more than 91 hours, one of the most extensive schedules in the Southeast. This includes additions such as an extended lifestyle program titled “ATL Live,” a new evening weather program at 6:30 p.m., and a late-night sports show scheduled for 11:35 p.m. Station executives have emphasized that the goal is to make WANF a hub for local storytelling, weather, and sports, appealing directly to Atlanta residents without reliance on a national network feed.
Leadership at CBS Atlanta has been actively preparing for this transition. Tom Canedo remains president and general manager, providing continuity during a period of change. He is joined by newly appointed executives, including Shawn Hoder as vice president and news director and Barbara Roeder as vice president of sales. These leadership changes are intended to support the rollout of the new CBS Atlanta news operations, which are set to debut in the coming weeks. By establishing a strong management team in advance, CBS aims to ensure a smooth transition for viewers accustomed to receiving their programming through WANF.
The affiliation switch has broader implications for viewers beyond Atlanta. Regional programming, syndicated content, and sports broadcasts often cross state lines through cable carriers and streaming platforms. This means that audiences in neighboring states, including parts of Texas where Atlanta programming overlaps in distribution networks, may experience changes in access to syndicated shows or sports coverage. With WANF now focusing exclusively on locally produced programming, and CBS Atlanta building its news operation from the ground up, the realignment may alter what out-of-state viewers see in their cable lineups or streaming options.
Industry analysts note that this realignment is emblematic of a larger trend in broadcast media. Networks are increasingly seeking to own and operate their affiliates in major metropolitan markets, allowing them to have greater control over both content and advertising revenue. For local stations, independence can be an opportunity to carve out a distinct brand identity, but it also requires significant investment in original programming to remain competitive. In WANF’s case, the decision to expand its local coverage dramatically suggests confidence that Atlanta’s growing population and diverse community will support a more localized focus.
For Atlanta viewers, the change may initially be disorienting, as long-standing habits of turning to Channel 46 for CBS programming give way to a new reality on Channel 69. Over time, however, the move could provide more tailored options. Those seeking national programming can tune into CBS Atlanta, while viewers looking for a deeper emphasis on local news and lifestyle content will find WANF’s expanded coverage filling that role. The result may ultimately be a stronger media ecosystem, with two stations offering distinct but complementary programming choices.
As the dust settles from this significant shift, both stations face critical tests. CBS Atlanta must prove it can quickly establish itself as a trusted source for local news while maintaining the strong identity of the CBS brand. WANF, meanwhile, must deliver on its promise of community-focused programming to retain viewers in the absence of national network content. Together, these moves underscore the rapidly evolving nature of local broadcasting and the ways in which both networks and stations are adapting to new viewer expectations in a fragmented media landscape.
