FOX 5 Atlanta and the University of Georgia Athletic Association have formed an exclusive media partnership that makes WAGA the official "Home of the Bulldogs."
As reported by WAGA, FOX 5 Atlanta will produce hours of UGA programming each week during the football season, with additional specials and shows throughout the year. FOX 5 Sports anchor and former Georgia quarterback D.J. Shockley will lead the station's extensive coverage of the Bulldogs as host of weekly and post-game shows, as well as specials, with help from the rest of the FOX 5 Sports team. Chief meteorologist David Chandley and "Good Day Atlanta" meteorologist Joanne Feldman, both Georgia graduates, will provide viewers with game-day weather updates on FOX 5 and with an appearance on the Sanford Stadium video board prior to each game.
According to WAGA, the station's new coverage will also include:
- "Bulldogs Now" – This weekly, half-hour program on Saturdays at 8 a.m. debuts this summer and will deliver exclusive access and the latest updates on the Georgia Bulldogs all year round. Outside of football season, the show will feature the latest news, in-depth features and updates on all 21 UGA sports programs.
- "Bulldogs Final" – This short wrap-up program will air on Saturday nights of UGA football games, with a repeat Sunday mornings, and will include highlights, analysis, and exclusive content from that week's game.
- "Kirby Smart All Access" – This half-hour program will air Monday nights at 7 p.m. throughout the football season and offer viewers a behind-the-scenes look through the practice and preparation ahead of each game, from exclusive interviews with coaches and players, to features showcasing what it takes to build and maintain a championship program.
- Numerous hour-long "Georgia All-Access" specials throughout the year.
"We are proud to partner with the University of Georgia to become north Georgia's primary and leading source for news and information about the Bulldogs. FOX 5 is fortunate to have a number of UGA alumni in our newsroom who can share their unique perspectives on the exclusive, premium content we will provide to our viewers and digital followers," Bill Schneider, FOX 5 senior vice president and general manager stated."We can't wait to tap into the collective creativity of the UGA and FOX 5 teams and further explore the boundless possibilities of this partnership."
With 21 intercollegiate sports programs, Georgia has earned 48 team national championships (including the past two football titles), more than 200 individual national titles and 176 team Southeastern Conference championships. It is one of only nine programs nationwide to finish among the top 25 in the Learfield Directors' Cup ranking during each of the past 23 years, with an astounding 12 top 10 finishes.
"Georgia Athletics is thrilled to partner with FOX 5 Atlanta to tell the unique stories of our student-athletes, coaches and teams," UGA athletic director Josh Brooks said. "With increased programming, including during prime hours, this partnership will further enhance the visibility of our 21 athletic programs as we showcase the many positive things our student-athletes are doing each and every day. It's also special to have one of our own in D.J. Shockley deeply involved in telling these stories. We want to thank everyone at FOX 5 for making this happen."
Shockley added, "I'm very excited to have the opportunity to partner with an amazing institution that holds a special place in my heart. The combination of FOX 5 and UGA brings two dynamic brands together to promote the best there is within our great state. We cannot wait to bring you the best content that highlights the Dawgs and FOX 5 for many years to come!"
