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‘Balancing Act with John Katko’ to Air Nationally on WORLD, On Demand via Podcast, and Streaming

Published - October 28, 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

WCNY Partners with Syracuse Athletics for New Television Series ‘Gamechangers’

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

WCNY and Syracuse.com to Host Syracuse Mayoral Debate on October 14

Published - October 10, 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

WCNY and Upstate Oasis Present ‘Caregiving’ Screening and 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

WCNY’s Community FM and Pulso Central to Air “Latino Issues: A Conversation with the 2025 Syracuse Democratic Mayoral Candidates”

Published - June 19, 2025

WCNY, Central New York’s public communications organization, will air a special program, “Latino Issues: A Conversation with the 2025 Syracuse Democratic Mayoral Candidates,” beginning Thursday, June 19 on both its Community FM and Pulso Central stations. Democratic primary candidates Pat Hogan, Chol Majok, and Sharon Owens participated in this focused conversation, each responding to six key questions about issues impacting Syracuse’s Latino community. Topics include equitable access to housing, healthcare, education, employment, representation in city leadership, and public safety. When asked how his administration would ensure equitable access to essential services for the Latino community, candidate Pat Hogan stated, “We

WCNY to Premiere ‘Lafayette: A Hero’s Return’ on June 9, 2025, Marking 200 Years Since the Revolutionary War Hero Visited Syracuse

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 to

WCNY to Host Live Syracuse Mayoral Primary Forum on the Environment on May 7

Published - May 1, 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

Indie Lens Pop-Up Presents “Free for All: The Public Library,” the Story of a Simple Idea that Shaped a Nation

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”

WCNY’s ‘Ivory Tower’ Hits the Road for a Special Taping at SUNY Cortland on 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

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

WCNY’s National Cooking Show ‘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 your

WCNY’s Entertainment Academy to Host Graduation Ceremony for Fall Session Trainees

Published - December 16, 2024

WCNY, Central New York’s public communications organization, is proud to host a graduation ceremony for the fall session of WCNY’s Entertainment Academy. Join us on Thursday, December 19 at 4 p.m. at the WCNY-TV Studios as we celebrate the accomplishments of 12 talented graduates from the Academy’s fourth class. 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

On “Balancing Act with John Katko,” Two Former Central New York Republican Representatives Advise Newly Elected Democrat John Mannion on How to Survive “the Lion’s Den” that is Congress

Published - November 8, 2024

In an exclusive discussion on “Balancing Act with John Katko,” former Republican Representatives Jim Walsh and Katko counsel incoming Democratic Rep. John Mannion on how to have impact in a divided Congress. Calling the House of Representatives a “lion’s den,” Katko, a four-term Congressman from Central New York, led a conversation between Walsh, who served Central New Yorkers for ten terms, and Mannion, who won the race to represent the 22nd District starting in January 2025. During the discussion, Mannion heard from his veteran predecessors on how to deal with party leadership in order to support the needs of a

Free Tuition, Free Training: Applications Now Open for the Winter Session of WCNY’s Entertainment Academy!

Published - November 5, 2024

WCNY, Central New York’s public communications organization, is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the winter session of WCNY’s Entertainment Academy, with classes scheduled to start on Jan. 2, 2025. WCNY’s Entertainment Academy is a fourteen-week training program offered two times a year (fall and winter sessions) in the TV and film production trades. The 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,

In an Exclusive Interview on WCNY’s ‘Balancing Act with John Katko,’ Former Speaker Newt Gingrich Says a Dictator Can’t Run America

Published - November 1, 2024

In an appearance on “Balancing Act with John Katko,” former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich said that the United States is too complicated to be run by a dictator. “The Founding Fathers designed a machine so inefficient that no dictator could make it work. It’s a brilliant design. The Senate is elected for six years, the House for two years, the President for four years. The Supreme Court is off to one side. It is very, very hard to make it work. And that is how it was designed.” In a wide-ranging conversation, Gingrich reflected on

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