Powerhouse radio station, HOT 97 is bringing its iconic brand to television in Atlanta with the launch of WHOT TV 66. This is in partnership with TRACE, the global media brand dedicated to Afro-urban music and culture.
Born in New York City—the birthplace of hip hop—HOT 97 has been a voice of the movement for more than 30 years. From breaking the hottest new artists to celebrating the legends, the station has set the standard for what’s next in hip hop and R&B. Now, they’re bringing that same energy to Atlanta, a city that’s helped shape the sound of hip hop worldwide.
On October 1, 2025, CNZ Communications, SE, LLC, the owner of Atlanta’s WGBP-TV, officially flipped the switch to become WHOT TV 66, marking the beginning of a powerful collaboration with MediaCo.
The newly rebranded station will begin showcasing HOT 97’s signature blend of music, lifestyle, and culture at 12:01AM on Thursday, October 30, 2025. In addition to HOT 97 Originals, WHOT TV 66 will feature Afro-urban programming from TRACE and ATLNOW, an entirely new kind of local news that will keep the community connected.
“Expanding into Atlanta television allows us to bring the music, the energy, and the voices of Black culture to an even larger audience, said Kudjo Sogadzi, EVP of Content & Growth at MediaCo. Atlanta has helped shape culture for many years through its artists, producers, and fans, and we’re excited to create a new platform where New York and Atlanta’s legacies meet.”
Terry Crosby, CEO of CNZ Communications, added: “WHOT-TV is where Atlanta’s voice meets HOT 97’s legacy. Together, we’re delivering hip hop culture live, local, and unfiltered.
