Featured News


‘Who Are We: A Conversation with Barack Obama at Hamilton College’ Premieres Feb. 16

Published - February 2, 2026

  WCNY, Central New York’s public communications organization, is proud to announce the premiere of its new documentary, “Who Are We: A Conversation with Barack Obama at Hamilton College,” airing Monday, Feb. 16 at 10 p.m. on WCNY-TV and streaming live at pbs.org/livestream. Former President Barack Obama waited 72 days into the second term of President Donald Trump before commenting publicly on the actions of the new administration. In a talk at Hamilton College, a small liberal arts school in upstate New York, Obama told the audience he had a few things to say. In that talk, President Obama provided

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‘CONNECT: NY’ Rebrands as ‘The Capitol Pressroom’

Published - January 20, 2026

WCNY, Central New York’s public communications organization, announced that its monthly public affairs series, “CONNECT: NY,” has rebranded as “The Capitol Pressroom.” The program airs the last Monday of each month at 9 p.m. on WCNY-TV and subsequently on stations across New York. The rebrand aligns the television series with the award-winning journalism from “The Capitol Pressroom,” a daily, statewide program broadcasting from the state Capitol. The radio broadcast and podcast hosted by David Lombardo will continue to provide in-depth reporting and analysis on New York state government and politics, while the television series expands the franchise to offer a

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Join Us for WCNY Day at the Dome🍊

Published - December 19, 2025

 Syracuse Women’s Basketball Head Coach Felisha Legette-Jack invites you to be part of a special day at the JMA Wireless Dome for WCNY Day at the Dome. 📅 Sunday, Dec. 28 ⏰ 4 p.m. tip-off 🏀 Syracuse vs. Duke 📍 JMA Wireless Dome WCNY Day at the Dome celebrates the launch of WCNY’s new series, “Gamechangers,” and we want you there to cheer on the Orange. Bring your family and friends, wear your Orange pride, and be part of an exciting afternoon of basketball and community. Exclusive WCNY Discounted Tickets Available As a WCNY supporter, you can take advantage of

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Ring in the Holiday Season with Classic FM!

Published - December 10, 2025

Join WCNY Classic FM this holiday season for music that brings light and cheer! Check out our 2025 holiday lineup: Hanukkah: Celebrate Hanukkah with Classic FM! Host Adam Fine brings you “Hanukkah Highlights,” marking the eight days with a new vignette each day, starting at 1 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 15.   Christmas Eve: 10 a.m.: A Festival of 9 Lessons and Carols Live from Kings College – Cambridge Pipedreams host Michael Barone presents this live service of spoken-word and music (choral and organ) broadcast from the chapel of King’s College in Cambridge, England. The 30-voice King’s College Choir performs the legendary Festival

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WCNY’s TravelAuc Getaways Returns November 18!

Published - November 12, 2025

Kick Off the Holiday Shopping Season with WCNY’s TravelAuc Getaways! Tune in Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 23 at 8 p.m. for the TravelAuc Getaways Show! Discover the perfect getaway or gift one to someone special this holiday season. Tune in for a sneak peek of these exciting getaways, each starting at 55% off their value! Don’t miss your chance to score incredible travel deals. The online auction opens Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 9 p.m. and closes on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 9 p.m. Browse all the amazing getaways at wcny.org/travelauction. Share the fun with friends and family—near or far! They can stream

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Classic FM Fundraiser Nov. 18 & 19

Published - November 7, 2025

WCNY will host its Classic FM fundraiser on Nov. 18 & 19 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The two-day event will feature special programming, gifts, and voices typically only heard behind the scenes at WCNY. This annual event is critically important to WCNY’s ability to offer new programs and crystal-clear classics on our FM station and livestream. Friends of WCNY can make donations online at wcny.org/supportclassical or by calling 800-451-9269, now through Nov. 19. Each gift will strengthen WCNY’s commitment to providing exceptional programming and classical music to our listening region. Thank you for your additional support during this fundraiser.

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‘Balancing Act with John Katko’ Expands to National Audience on PBS’ WORLD Channel

Published - October 31, 2025

After a pilot run on producing PBS station WCNY in Syracuse, NY, “Balancing Act with John Katko” explores the most important issues of the day from a post-partisan perspective with retired Republican Congressman John Katko. During his time in Congress, Katko was known for reaching across the political divide. The series will now air on WORLD, distributed by more than 188 PBS member stations nationwide, alongside the launch of a new podcast and an expanded presence on YouTube. The show’s goal is to move beyond partisan talking points and bring together diverse perspectives—with Katko walking the “tightrope” between viewpoints in

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Discover the Players, Coaches, and Stories Driving Syracuse Women’s Basketball!

Published - October 23, 2025

WCNY, Central New York’s public communications organization, in partnership with Syracuse University Athletics, is proud to announce the premiere of its new television series, “Gamechangers,” airing Thursday, Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. on WCNY-TV. The first season of “Gamechangers” will feature the Syracuse Women’s Basketball team. Hosted by Sean Dorcellus and featuring Head Coach Felisha Legette-Jack, “Gamechangers” is a bi-weekly, 30-minute series that goes beyond the court to explore how championship-caliber programs are built through values, leadership, teamwork, and community. Each episode will feature five recurring segments: Inside the Huddle: Coach Jack recaps the team’s recent performances and highlights standout

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Syracuse Mayoral Debate: Oct. 14 at 8 p.m.

Published - October 9, 2025

WCNY, Central New York’s public communications organization, in partnership with Syracuse.com, will host the Syracuse Mayoral Debate featuring Sharon Owens (D), Tom Babilon (R), Tim Rudd (I), and Alfonso Davis (I) on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 8 p.m. on WCNY-TV. The one-hour event will give voters the chance to hear directly from the four candidates as they share their visions for Syracuse’s future and address key issues impacting the community, including public safety, economic development, housing, and quality of life. Moderators will include David Lombardo, host of WCNY’s public affairs programs “The Capitol Pressroom” and “CONNECT: NY;” Chris Baker, public

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‘Rematriated Voices’ Premieres Monday, Oct. 13 at 9 p.m.

Published - October 8, 2025

Rematriated Voices with Michelle Schenandoah is a groundbreaking talk show to empower truth, reclaim democracy, and live in balance with Mother Earth. Grounded in Haudenosaunee principles, Rematriated Voices invites viewers and listeners to consider their answer to one of the most common Haudenosaunee greetings, “Are you at peace?” The 5 episode show, along with a companion podcast, is a partnership between the nonprofit Rematriation and the Special Collections Research Center at the Syracuse University Libraries.   Join us as we uplift the voices of pre-eminent Haudenosaunee thought leaders, traditional leadership, activists and artists. Episode Airdates/Times: Mother Law & the Doctrine of

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‘Balancing Act with John Katko’ Returns with Weekly Episodes

Published - September 4, 2025

We’re excited to announce the official premiere of Season 1 of “Balancing Act with John Katko,” a bold new series that takes on the circus of two-party politics with a centrist perspective. Tune in Friday, Sept. 5 at 9 p.m. on WCNY-TV for the premiere episode, and join us every Friday at 9 p.m. for new episodes! In the coming weeks, the show will also launch nationally, airing weekly on the WORLD channel and select PBS stations, reaching more than 80% of U.S. households in red, blue, and purple states. Hosted by former Congressman John Katko, “Balancing Act” brings clarity, civility, and even a touch

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You’re Invited to Attend the ‘Caregiving’ Screening & Discussion Event

Published - August 11, 2025

WCNY, Central New York’s public communications organization, in partnership with Upstate Oasis, is proud to present the “Caregiving” Screening and Discussion Event on Thursday, Aug. 14 at 4:30 p.m. at the WCNY-TV Studios. From Executive Producer Bradley Cooper, “Caregiving” is the story of paid and unpaid caregivers navigating the challenges and joys of this deeply meaningful work. Intertwining intimate personal stories with the untold history of caregiving, the documentary reveals the state and the stakes of care in America today. Narrated by Uzo Aduba (“The Residence,” “Orange is the New Black”) and directed by Chris Durrance. Guests will enjoy select

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Our Teachers, Our Future: The 2024-25 Classic FM Music Educator Awards

Published - August 4, 2025

During the 2024–25 school year, WCNY’s Classic FM honored music teachers across Central New York with the Classic FM Music Educator Award. In this half-hour special, we celebrate 10 outstanding honorees who are not only shaping the next generation of musicians but also instilling compassion and confidence in today’s youth. Tune in Saturday, Aug. 30, at 11:30 a.m. on WCNY-TV. The program will also air on Classic FM on Wednesday, Sept. 3, at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 4, at 8:30 a.m., and Friday, Sept. 5, at noon.  

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Syracuse Challenger Baseball: Game of the Week

Published - August 4, 2025

As the largest single-district Little League International Challenger Baseball program in the country, Syracuse Challenger Baseball brings together players, parents, and volunteers of all ages for an unforgettable and inclusive experience. Under the leadership of Dom Cambareri, the league fosters meaningful friendships while celebrating the resilience and spirit of its players. WCNY is excited to record and air a game of the league each week! The “Syracuse Challenger Baseball: Game of the Week” specials will air every Sunday at 3 p.m. from Aug. 24 through Oct. 12. Tune in every Sunday to witness the joy of athletes with special needs as adaptive sports

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WCNY Community Connect: Matrilineal Pathways—Uplifting Indigenous Women’s Voices

Published - July 9, 2025

Join us for a powerful conversation with Rematriation as they explore indigenous experiences, Haudenosaunee values, and the power of femininity. This special panel, part of a three-day symposium on indigenous matrilineal knowledge at Syracuse University, premieres on Saturday, July 19 at 8 p.m. on WCNY-TV. Panelists: – Michelle Schenandoah (moderator; Oneida Wolf Clan, Founder of Rematriation) – Louise “Mama Bear” Herne (Clan Mother, Mohawk Bear Clan) – Spencer Lyons (Chief, Onondaga Hawk Clan) – Robin Wall Kimmerer (Botanist and Author, Potawatomi Nation, Director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment at SUNY-ESF) – Devery Jacobs (Actor and Filmmaker,

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