The University of Georgia Athletics Association (Georgia Bulldogs) and Atlanta’s Fox station WAGA TV (or “Fox 5 Atlanta”) have inked a deal to make Fox 5 the official Atlanta TV station of the Bulldogs, the station and school jointly announced.
What this means is that Fox 5 will produce exclusive programming for and about the Bulldogs throughout the year but especially during Dawgs’ football season. The station’s lead sports anchor D.J. Shockley, a former Bulldog quarterback, will helm the station’s UGA programming, which will include weekly shows and specials. He will be joined by the other members of the Fox 5 sports team, anchor/reporters Kelly Price and Justin Felder. The agreement covers not just the football team, but other UGA athletics programs as well.
The station’s meteorologists, David Chandley and Joanne Feldman, both UGA grads, will supply game-day weather updates on the station and on the team’s scoreboard at Sanford Stadium.
“We are proud to partner with the University of Georgia to become North Georgia’s primary and leady source for news and information about the Bulldogs,” said Fox 5’s SVP and General Manager Bill Schneider, in a statement. “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.”
Adds UGA H. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Josh Brooks, “Georgia Athletics is thrilled to partner with Fox 5 Atlanta to tell the unique stories of our student-athletes, coaches, and teams.”
Fox 5 will present at least three regular programs for UGA, including one featuring the Bulldog’s head coach, Kirby Smart.
“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,” said Brooks. “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.”
The 2-time SEC Championship QB 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!”
Fox 5 is already the official station of the Atlanta Falcons, where they have been producing Falcon-centric programing for the past few years in a similar manner as the newly forged UGA partnership.
The UGA/Fox 5 programing will start in August, this year.