WCNY Original Documentaries and Specials.

WCNY has made a commitment to original programming for our viewers.

“Our Veterans and Their Families: 21st Century Challenges”

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Today’s veterans carry the added burden of not only dealing with economic challenges that face many American families, but also protecting the nation while serving in hostile environments overseas. WCNY’s production of “Our Veterans and Their Families: 21st Century Challenges” focuses on American veterans and the unique challenges they face in a new century that is prevalent with uncertain and perilous times. The show not only focuses on veterans but also the stories of their families. The broadcast covers four areas: Mental Health Needs, Redeployment Stresses, Reintegration Needs, and Special Needs of Female Veterans and includes insight from panelists who have intimate knowledge and experience in working with veterans.

“Immigrants in the Lead: The Story of New York” - WCNY AXXESS Productions

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There is growing recognition that one of New York State's most abundant resources, its foreign-born population, is integral to overcoming today's challenges. In looking back over the waves of immigrants that affected New York City, one can see that while the faces may have changed, the population's capacity for hard work and entrepreneurship has not. Today's Dominicans, Cambodians, Haitians, Guyanese, and Hmong are like the Irish, Germans, Italians, Jews, and Eastern Europeans that arrived here 100 years ago. These new Americans could be a primary catalyst for transforming New York from a wounded giant into the economic force it once was.

The half-hour broadcast, written and produced by WCNY’s News and Public Affairs Director Susan Arbetter features Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, lifetime resident of the Lower East Side and the product of Jewish immigrants from Russia as well as newly elected New York City Comptroller John Liu, a first generation immigrant from Taiwan. WCNY's documentary explores the link between immigration and success – both as a historical idea as well as a concept the State is betting on with its future.

“Auspicious Vision” - WCNY AXXESS Productions

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Shortly after the turn of the 20th century, a young man with a passion for art began a journey into the uncharted waters of American Modernism. The journey of Edward Wales Root culminated with one of the most significant bequests of American Modernism to any museum in the U.S. In 1909, Root began collecting with a work by Ernest Lawson. The collection grew to include pieces by Burchfield, Davis , de Kooning, Stamos, Pollack and others. These became the cornerstone of a gift that has enhanced Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute (MWPAI), an emerging cultural center, in Utica , NY , energized the Upstate New York community, and defined Root’s life as one of vision, philanthropy ... and as one lived remarkably. the table,” says Museum of Art Director and Chief Curator, Paul D. Schweizer. WCNY AXXESS Productions filmed “Auspicious Vision” to highlight the works on display at the MWPAI in high definition. Narrated by actor, Peter Thomas (“NOVA” and “Forensic Files”).
“Root is one of our greatest benefactors. Few exhibitions in the Museum’s history equal the significance of this exhibit,” says Schweizer. "Auspicious Vision" was produced to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1957 Bequest: 227 works by 80 American artists. MWPAI began exhibiting the collection on October 14, 2007. The exhibit will remain at the Museum through February 24, 2008

“Facing HIV/AIDS in Central New York ”

Air November 29.

HIV/AIDS has found a new place to live. This documentary helps us understand the impact of AIDS on the most - recently identified high risk population of Central New York – communities of color. To break through the perception, that AIDS is not a problem here, host George Kilpatrick took us through the process of rapid AIDS testing. We met non-traditional HIV/AIDS patients: young people who acquired it from oral sex, a one time encounter with unprotected sex, a young woman born with HIV, a 56 year old woman who contracted AIDS from her unfaithful husband, a 62 year old grandmother who had no idea how she got AIDS, but was a former drug user.

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“Dream Destinations: New York ’s Contemporary Canals”

In 1835, immigrants found their way west on the Erie Canal . Today, the canal is worth traveling for another reason. Join the thousands of tourists who have already discovered their dream destinations along New York ’s 21^st century contemporary Canal System. WCNY HD documentary takes you on a journey through all four canals. Peppered with history for a true understanding of the canals significance, you will visit not only historic tourism sites along the way, but many 21^st century attractions as well.

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“The Performers: Taking Center Stage in New York State Agriculture” DVD

How long has it been since you’ve been down on the farm? If it has been awhile, you will thoroughly enjoy this original HD documentary. WCNY producers journeyed across New York State visiting 21^st century farmers going high tech.

Agriculture has been one of New York State’s top industries since the state formed. And like all business, it is going through sweeping changes with technology. The Performers takes viewers across the Empire State to see how the vast array of agricultural producers are still embracing yesterday’s traditions along with today’s Innovations.

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"Riding the Rails" DVD

Travel back in time to examine the history of railroading in Syracuse, Utica and other mainline areas that connected Central New York. Short lines traveled to areas like Skaneateles and Marcellus, allowing local woolen and paper mills the opportunity to share their products with the country. Produced by WCNY as part of the Central New York history series, Riding the Rails is narrated by WCNY and Classic FM’s own Bill Baker.

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"Ola Onabule" DVD

Shot live from the Center for the Arts in Homer, New York, WCNY presents the U.S. debut of Ola Onabule. Over the past decade, London born and Nigeria raised Ola Onabule has developed into one the most unique and respected singers in Great Britain. Bridging elements of soul, jazz and world music, Onabule’s four octave range continues to win over critics and create a loyal fan base. Complete with interview segments explaining the story behind his original songs, the artist pours himself into this performance with heart and deft precision featuring the music from his latest album, In Emergency Brake Silence.

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"The Barn" DVD

Produced by WCNY’s Chief Videographer, John Walsh, The Barn is a visually beautiful and poignant documentary exploring unique Upstate New York barns from architectural, historical and artistic perspectives.

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BILL KNOWLTON bubbed by some as "Mr. Bluegrass of Central New York", Bill hosted the first all-bluegrass radio show in New York City in 1960. Coming to Syracuse as a US Air Force Public Affairs Officer, Bill started the "Bluegrass Ramble" on WCNY-FM in January 1973. In 1997, Bill was named "Broadcast Personality of the Year" by the International Bluegrass Music Association. He emcees at least 13 bluegrass festivals every year and writes liner notes for bluegrass and old-time country music artists. Bill is a resident of Liverpool, NY.

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Religion Matters

Religion and war. Our panel of religious experts will examine how religion affects our men in uniform. We will explore post traumatic stress syndrome and its affect on our beliefs, conscientious objectors, and our military men’s and women’s beliefs in God and country.WCNY Original Documentaries:

The Boys & Girls Choir of Harlem Alumni Ensemble, created in February 2007, came to Rome NY on October 13, 2007 to perform and record with the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley’s award-winning “Wind Ensemble”. Under the musical direction of Scott Rutledge and guest conductor Joel Martin, a world-renowned jazz pianist and composer, this is the first performance for the Ensemble in a concert setting and their first recording project. Two original compositions, “Let Him Soar” and “Harbor”, premiered before the live audience.

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Revolutionary War Minute

View this 1-minute video about the "fort that didn't surrender," Fort Stanwix, located in Rome, NY.and

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