### WANF to Operate Independently After Ending CBS Affiliation

ATLANTA, Ga. - In a significant shift, Atlanta News First announced it would be ending its 31-year partnership with the CBS Network. Gray Media revealed on Monday that WANF will embark on a new journey as an independent station, enhancing its already successful news operations with increased resources to better serve the community both on-air and online.

"As residents of Atlanta along with our families, this company's leadership and our corporate colleagues have been keenly focused on improving what we watch every day on WANF and its sister station, WPCH PeachtreeTV," said Gray's Executive Chairman, Hilton Howell. He expressed enthusiasm about leading WANF in a direction where local control over its offerings would allow for better investment in local news, weather, and sports, tailored specifically for Greater Atlanta.

Since Gray Media acquired WANF and WPCH in December 2021, there has been a notable infusion of tens of millions of dollars dedicated to revitalizing the stations and expanding their capacities. This investment has already led to an increase in weekly newscasts from 40 to 60 hours. "Three years ago, WANF adopted its current call sign to emphasize its new commitment to delivering Atlanta News First," noted Gray's Co-CEO Pat LaPlatney. "The next chapter as an independent station allows WANF to deliver on that commitment more fully."

Gray Media is optimistic about the station's future, with plans to further invest financially and provide additional resources to ensure WANF transitions smoothly into a robust, independent local television station. Erik Schrader, general manager of WANF and WPCH, emphasized the station’s strong local presence, describing it as a brand that embodies Gray’s mission of offering trusted local news and information.

The shift to independence is not just about maintaining the status quo but about expanding on the core strengths of the station. "Journalism is the heart of what we do across 113 markets," Schrader confirmed. "Today's announcement allows us to expand on what we already do best, namely deliver high-quality local news, sports, weather, and other programming that our viewers deserve."

As WANF steps into this new chapter, the commitment to delivering comprehensive local coverage remains unwavering, aiming to become an even more integral part of the Greater Atlanta community.