WCNY Commemorates Lafayette’s 1825 Visit with New Film and Educational Program

Published - May 19, 2025

  WCNY, Central New York’s public communications organization, is proud to announce the premiere of its latest original documentary, “Lafayette: A Hero’s Return,” airing Monday, June 9 at 9 p.m. on WCNY-TV. The broadcast commemorates 200 years to the day since General Lafayette visited Syracuse during his farewell tour of the United States, a journey that celebrated one of the last surviving heroes of the American Revolutionary War. Narrated by Julien Icher, historian and founder of the “Follow the Frenchman” YouTube series, the film explores Lafayette’s enduring legacy in both New York and American history. It traces his deep-rooted commitments

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WCNY and SUNY Oswego Present the 2025 Visual Storytelling Camp

Published - May 1, 2025

WCNY, in partnership with SUNY Oswego, is excited to announce that applications are open NOW-June 15 for this year’s Visual Storytelling Summer Camp! This two-week summer program, running from July 7 to July 21, will take place Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the WCNY-TV Studios in Syracuse, NY. Participants will learn the fundamentals of storytelling, including character development, plot structure, and resolution. They will also explore visual storytelling techniques such as video recording, audio recording, and video editing. We are offering ten fortunate students entering grades 9-12 the chance to participate in this program at no cost. To be considered, applicants should complete

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Syracuse Mayoral Primary Forum on the Environment: May 7 at 8 p.m.

Published - April 30, 2025

WCNY, Central New York’s public communications organization, in partnership with the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (NYLCVEF), will host the 2025 Syracuse Mayoral Primary Forum on the Environment on Wednesday, May 7 at 8 p.m. on WCNY-TV. Confirmed Democratic primary candidates participating in the forum are Pat Hogan, Chol Majok, and Sharon Owens. Each candidate will address key environmental issues impacting the city, state, and nation. The forum will be co-moderated by David Lombardo, host of WCNY’s public affairs programs, “The Capitol Pressroom” and “CONNECT: NY,” and Julie Tighe, president of the New York League of Conservation

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One More Bite at the Deal! Taste of Fame Early Bird Extended!

Published - April 30, 2025

We’re excited to share that the Early Bird Special for WCNY’s 11th Annual Taste of Fame with Celebrity Chef Anne Burrell has been extended through May 31! A Food Network star and Cazenovia, NY native, Anne is best known as the host of “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef” and “Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell,” as well as the co-host of “Worst Cooks in America.” Join us on October 3 at Drumlins Country Club for an unforgettable “Burrells of Central New York” themed evening, featuring Anne, her sister Jane Burrell, and their mother, Marlene Burrell! Dinner Ticket – $195/Ticket – Cocktail hour with one-hour

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Public Media Giving Days – May 1 & 2

Published - April 28, 2025

On May 1 and 2, join people across the country in celebrating and supporting local public media organizations like WCNY. Show your love with a financial gift and a shout-out! Don’t want to wait? You can make your gift to WCNY today:   After donating, help us spread the word during Public Media Giving Days 2025. What does WCNY bring to your life? Share your story on social media, in emails, or simply in conversations with friends and family. Personal testimonials inspire others to support the programs and services they love. One day isn’t enough to contain the passion for

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‘Free for All: The Public Library’ Free Community Screening Events

Published - April 21, 2025

Indie Lens Pop-Up, presented by ITVS, INDEPENDENT LENS, and WCNY-PBS will host an event featuring a shortened, preview version of “Free for All: The Public Library” and a community discussion. “Free for All: The Public Library” tells the story of the quiet revolutionaries who created a civic institution where everything is free, and the doors are open to all The public library is one of America’s most valued yet endangered institutions. Director Dawn Logsdon travels the United States, discovering historic and modern-day figures, especially women, who contributed to the library’s integral position within democracy. “Free for All: The Public Library”

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Celebrate Earth Day with Classic FM!

Published - April 14, 2025

April 22 marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. To mark this occasion, please join Dr. Rich O’Neill from WCNY’s “Cycle of Health” and “Check Up from the Neckup” for a one-hour special featuring music and a bit of history. From the tallest mountains to music that was cradled in the earth for years, these composers respond to the environment in the way they know best—through their music. Tune in on Tuesday, April 22 at 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. on Classic FM! WCNY-91.3 Syracuse | WUNY-89.5 Utica/Rome | WJNY-90.9 Watertown Learn more about Classic FM at wcny.org/radio.

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WCNY’s ‘Ivory Tower’ Takes the Show on the Road to SUNY Cortland April 29

Published - April 14, 2025

WCNY, Central New York’s public communications organization, is thrilled to announce that Central New York’s favorite public affairs program, “Ivory Tower,” is taking the show on the road. The panel will record a special live-to-tape episode at SUNY Cortland’s Campus Brown Auditorium on Tuesday, April 29 at 7 p.m. Hosted by David Chanatry, this hour-long episode will feature lively discussions on pertinent current events and local issues with panelists Michael Tillotson, Tara Ross, Jenny Stromer-Galley, Ty Seidule, and Bob Spitzer. Barbara Fought will moderate audience questions during the taping. The episode will premiere on WCNY-TV on Thursday, May 1 at

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‘Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s’ Free Community Screenings

Published - April 7, 2025

WCNY, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association of CNY, invites you to attend two free community screenings of “Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s.” “Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s” offers an intimate portrayal of three families confronting the unique challenges of Alzheimer’s and how this progressive neurodegenerative disease transforms roles and relationships. Whether it’s a partner becoming a caregiver or an adult child shifting into being their parent’s caretaker, these stories show how families evolve when a loved one is diagnosed. Two screenings will be held for this film: Wednesday, April 16 at 5 p.m. at the Cinemapolis Theater, Ithaca – Includes

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WCNY’s Entertainment Academy Honors Winter Session Graduates

Published - April 7, 2025

WCNY, Central New York’s public communications organization, is proud to host the graduation ceremony for the Winter Session of WCNY’s Entertainment Academy. Join us on Thursday, April 10 at 4 p.m. at the WCNY-TV Studios as we celebrate the achievements of 19 talented graduates from the Academy’s fifth cohort. WCNY’s Entertainment Academy provides training for the next generation of television and film production engineers, electricians, set designers, sound mixers, and camera operators to help support the growing entertainment industry in Central New York. The program also creates a pathway for job placements through local unions, including I.A.T.S.E. Local 52 Motion

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‘Spatchcock Funk’ Returns for Season 2 on March 25!

Published - March 12, 2025

WCNY, Central New York’s public communications organization, is excited to announce the return of its locally produced cooking show, “Spatchcock Funk,” with Season 2 premiering March 25 at 9 p.m. on WCNY-TV— airing in more than 50 U.S. markets, from Los Angeles to Miami. Hosted by Matt Read, “Spatchcock Funk” delivers easy-to-follow recipes, craft cocktails, and expert party-planning tips—all with a signature mix of fun and authenticity. This season, the Spatchcock Funk crew raises the “steaks” on their culinary and partying adventures. From tailgates to backyard gatherings, they bring big flavors and even bigger energy to every episode. You bring

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Tickets Now On Sale for WCNY’s 11th Annual Taste of Fame

Published - March 6, 2025

We’re thrilled to announce that tickets are NOW ON SALE for WCNY’s 11th Annual Taste of Fame with Celebrity Chef Anne Burrell! A Food Network star and Cazenovia, NY native, Anne is best known as the host of “Secrets of a Restaurant Chef” and “Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell,” as well as the co-host of “Worst Cooks in America.” Join us on October 3 at Drumlins Country Club for an unforgettable “Burrells of Central New York” themed evening, featuring Anne, her sister Jane Burrell, and their mother, Marlene Burrell! We’ll have more details for you in the coming weeks, including the reveal of Anne’s delicious three-course dinner menu! Dinner

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Catch the Spatchcock Funk Crew at the 2025 Home & Garden Show

Published - March 4, 2025

Love great food and good company? Don’t miss this! Matt and Alex of “Spatchcock Funk,” WCNY’s nationally televised cooking show, are bringing their “no-holds-barred” cooking experience to the 2025 Home & Garden Show at the NYS Fairgrounds Expo Center! Live Demos:Saturday, March 15 – 2:30 PMSunday, March 16 – 1:30 PM Watch them in action, interact with the crew, and get expert tips on recipes, equipment, and setting up the ultimate kitchen—or even a backyard party!  

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John Katko Returns with Season 2 of ‘Balancing Act’

Published - February 19, 2025

We’re excited to announce that “Balancing Act with John Katko” is returning to WCNY-TV with Season 2! The first episode premieres this Friday, Feb. 21 at 9 p.m. Hosted by former Congressman John Katko—renowned for his bipartisan approach—”Balancing Act” fosters balanced discussions on divisive political issues while adding a touch of fun along the way. As the ringmaster, Katko guides viewers through the complexities of D.C. politics with a circus-inspired twist. The series features dynamic segments like “Tightrope,” “Center Ring,” “Trapeze,” and “Next Week in Washington.” In the Season 2 premiere, Katko welcomes U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley to the “Center Ring” as they walk the tightrope of defining America’s

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Celebrate Presidents’ Day with Classic FM!

Published - February 10, 2025

Join David Lombardo from WCNY’s “The Capitol Pressroom” and “CONNECT NY” as he hosts Classic FM’s Presidents’ Day Special, sharing the legacy of past leaders and the music they inspired. Tune in on Monday, Feb. 17 at 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. on Classic FM! WCNY-91.3 Syracuse | WUNY-89.5 Utica/Rome | WJNY-90.9 Watertown Learn more about Classic FM at wcny.org/radio.

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