For the first time since acquiring it as an independent station in 1994, CBS announced on Monday that WUPA Channel 69 will become the new home for the network’s programming in the Atlanta market beginning Saturday, August 16, replacing the Gray Media-owned WANF Channel 46.
According to CBS, the change is part of the network’s long-term strategic efforts to leverage the full power of the CBS stations portfolio and local assets across major markets in the U.S. in service of the public interest, “delivering the highest-quality local news and culture-defining content” to the seventh-largest DMA in the country with 2.8 million TV households.
As part of the shift, WUPA will be branded as CBS Atlanta and will see the launch of the CBS News Atlanta streaming channel, a comprehensive news experience that will keep the Atlanta community updated on the latest regional weather, traffic, local and breaking news. “CBS is committed to local journalism and serving the Atlanta community, with exceptional experience as the owner and operator of 27 stations in 17 of the country’s biggest markets,” the network noted.
“Launching our first owned CBS station in Atlanta is a milestone moment for us,” said Jennifer Mitchell, president of CBS Stations and CBS News and Stations Digital. “This expansion allows us to bring the full strength of CBS’ award-winning news, sports and entertainment programming directly to one of the most vibrant and influential markets in the country. With WUPA and the launch of the CBS News Atlanta streaming channel, we’re not just delivering content – we’re investing in the community, local journalism and ensuring Atlanta viewers receive the same trusted, high-quality journalism that defines CBS in every market we serve.”
The WUPA live linear feed will also be made available to subscribers of Paramount+ as part of the transition, in addition to an expansive library of original series, hit shows and movies from Paramount Global’s portfolio of popular brands.
Effective Saturday, August 16, 2025, WANF will cease its affiliation with the CBS Network and thereafter operate as an independent television station hyper-focused on the Atlanta market, Gray Media noted following the news.
Ranking as the most watched network for a record-breaking 17th consecutive season, CBS is home to several of top shows on television including “Tracker,” “Matlock,” “60 Minutes,” “FBI,” “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage,” “The Price is Right,” “The Young and the Restless,” “The Bold and the Beautiful,” “Beyond the Gates” and “NCIS,” among others.
CBS airs a number of marquee sports properties and championship events across the NFL, Big Ten Football and Basketball, March Madness, the Masters, PGA Tour and National Women’s Soccer League, driving massive viewership and excitement as the pinnacle of appointment viewing.