HISTORY OF WATC
WATC TV is licensed by the FCC as a full power noncommercial educational station for the Atlanta,
Georgia DMA. Dr. James and Joanne Thompson, Founders of WATC TV, were part of the early pioneers
who launched local market Christian television stations. They signed on WGGS TV in Greenville, South
Carolina in October 1972 after four years of preparation.
Over the years, the Thompsons started additional stations in South Carolina, Louisiana and Oregon. Dr.
Thompson then applied for the construction permit for WATC in 1984, but the FCC granted it to another
entity. They were not able to build out the station after many years, so Dr. Thompson was able to
acquire the construction permit and build out WATC, which then signed on the air in April 1996.
Because of the mandate by the FCC for WATC to serve the community in an educational capacity, the
station has adhered to a three part approach to its outreach to Atlanta which also has become a tagline
for the station:
“We Are Educational”: Not only does WATC have religious teaching programs, but the station strives to
have programming that is educational and instructional. There are programs that focus on healthy living; children’s programming that celebrates art and science; and more.
“We Are Inspirational”: Following in the path of the Thompsons heart for ministry, WATC has focused
much of its programming schedule for church services and other Christian programming. WATC is
viewed as a destination for viewers to be encouraged and uplifted.
“We Are Community”: WATC has been a platform for non-profit organizations to share about their work
in Georgia. The Georgia Association of Broadcasters recognized WATC several times over the years for
its “Community Service” work.
ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING OF WATC
In January 1997, WATC began its original programming with the launch of Atlanta Live, the station’s
flagship program. It launched as a live program twice a week and expanded to Monday through Friday in July 1997. Atlanta Live has always been envisioned as a program to feature local ministries, area non-
profit organizations, along with a mix of gospel music guests. For over half of its run, Atlanta Live was a two-hour program presented live five nights a week. It was then cut back to a 90 minute format to allow
for more production time for other series. When the live program returned after the COVID shutdown, it
was reduced to a one-hour format. But even though the series has changed its length, the program still
features approximately 400 ministries and non-profits each year.
In addition to Atlanta Live, the main studio at 1862 Enterprise Drive in Norcross, Georgia became the
home for many original programs produced by WATC (current programs listed below):
Friends & Neighbors, a ministry and lifestyle program for women, premiering in June 1998 (over 1100
episodes).
Babbie’s House with award-winning singer/songwriter Babbie Mason premiering in October 1998 (over
1300 episodes)
The Bobby Hurd Show / A Time in the Word with Sarah Hurd: A gospel music and interview program
that has been in production for over twenty five years.
Gospel Music USA: A southern gospel music program featuring Danny Jones from Singing News and
award-winning gospel artists Karen Peck Gooch and Mike LeFevre as hosts. (over 260 episodes)
Josh & Ashley: A southern gospel music program with hosts Josh and Ashley Franks. (over 240
episodes)
On the Move with JoAnna Ward: Faith and fitness come together in this half hour program with host
JoAnna Ward (Survivor: Amazon) and guests. (over 150 episodes)
Hallelujah Time: Praise and worship music featuring Richard South and the Power Singers.
Red Back Revival Sing Along: Award-winning gospel music program featuring host Charlie Sexton and
choir showcasing the songs from the classic hymnal.
This Day with BJ Arnett: Interview program featuring television host and Christian film actress BJ Arnett.
(over 150 epsiodes)
Magnify: Half hour music showcase featuring artists from various genres of gospel.
Glad You Asked: Dave Glander leads this half hour apologetics program as he and his co-hosts answer
viewer questions.
A Fresh Look at the Good Book: A Christian film showcase featuring a discussion of entries from the 168
Film Festival.
The Master’s Table: A half hour of recipes and conversation with host Frankie and Tina Cleveland.
Plus a number of teaching and interview programs produced in WATC’s green screen studio including the
Christian counseling program Hope & Joy and the ministry program Let’s Talk with Tracy Wells.
In addition to the in-house programs listed above, WATC’s studio is used for various client productions
airing on the station (current programs listed below):
The Christian View: A weekly panel and interview program discussing world issues from a Christian
perspective.
The Vision: Dr. Alveda King and Dr. Destiny Yarbrough lead a panel discussion with their guests on
various topics to educate viewers.
COFFEE with Kim: Christian speaker and author Kim Crabill hosts this weekly half hour of inspirational
testimonies and teaching.
A Steadfast Journey: Dr. Micshell Milsap encourages viewers in Bible teaching and musical performances.
Behind the Scenes with Sacred Harmony: Southern gospel group Sacred Harmony hosts this half hour of
music and ministry with their guests.
There are also many original programs that have been produced in the WATC studio that are no longer in
production but still in broadcast rotation, including The Canton Jones Show, Jesus Connection with Nancy
Harmon, Southbound Live, Stories and Songs with The Down East Boys, and Empowered to Achieve.
DIGITAL SUBCHANNELS
In celebration of WATC’s 15th anniversary, the station launched its second channel in Atlanta on Channel
57.2. The channel, branded as WATC TOO, was more family entertainment with a mix of ministry and
educational programming to counter-program that of WATC’s main channel. In January 2023, the
channel was rebranded as The Point Television Network because the channel was now airing in other
markets.
The majority of the classic television programming that was a part of 57.2 was moved over to Channel
57.3 to launch WATC’s third channel. THE LOOP (which stands for Lovers of Old Programs).
WATC took over the programming and operation of its sister station’s digital subchannel, Harmony Gospel Music TV a couple of years ago. This channel does broadcast as a commercial feed, so it does not air over the air on WATC’s signal.
All four of the WATC channels are available on the WATC app and are simulcast on WHDS in Savannah,
Georgia.
FUTURE PROJECTS
WATC is looking at ways to expand its streaming presence with possibly partnering with its sister station
in South Carolina to create a central destination.
Moving into the podcast space is a goal for 2025.
Creating new original programming to broadcast and distribute to other outlets remains a part of the
ongoing vision of WATC. One area that fresh content is needed is in the area of educational children’s
programming (possibly from a faith-based perspective, but definitely from a moral, family perspective).
If funding was ever available, WATC has hours of original content throughout its history that we would
like to archive. The tape formats have evolved and having available machines for playback is a growing
challenge. Digitizing footage to save the many hours of musical performances with nationally-known
artists who have passed away would be the first priority.