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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

WCNY and Syracuse University’s La Casita Invite the Community to Attend the Pulso Central Fiesta

Published - October 21, 2024

WCNY, Central New York’s public communications organization, in partnership with Syracuse University’s La Casita, invites the community to join us in celebrating the launch of Pulso Central, the region’s first and only Spanish-language radio station, on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 2-8 p.m. at WCNY and La Casita. Attendees will enjoy a Latino Business Panel and networking opportunities, along with an open house featuring delicious food from Birria Quesataco SYR, Guadalajara, and Café Teté at WCNY. The festivities will continue at La Casita with coffee, tea, desserts, and dancing, featuring music by Pulso Central’s DJ Lorenz. Event Schedule: • 2-4 p.m.: Latino Business

WCNY Names Rich Ezzo Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Published - October 15, 2024

WCNY, Central New York’s public communications organization, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rich Ezzo as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. With 30 years of experience in business development and marketing, Rich has a proven track record of driving growth in the organizations he has served. In this new role, Rich will focus on deepening WCNY’s regional presence and expanding the station’s national footprint, leveraging his experience and relationships to build new partnerships while remaining deeply committed to strengthening the station’s community impact. Originally from Syracuse, Rich was Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Catalyst, a WPP

WCNY to Host Live Debate for New York’s 22nd Congressional District Seat on October 8

Published - October 7, 2024

WCNY, Central New York’s public communications organization, will host a live debate for New York’s 22nd Congressional District between incumbent Republican Brandon Williams and Democratic challenger John Mannion on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. on WCNY-TV. The debate will be moderated by David Lombardo of WCNY’s public affairs shows, “The Capitol Pressroom” and “CONNECT: NY.” The closely contested race for the 22nd Congressional District has garnered national attention, as its winner could help determine which party controls the House of Representatives in 2025. Following a court-ordered redistricting in 2022, Republican Brandon Williams narrowly defeated Democrat Francis Conole. In 2024,

WCNY Presents ‘Balancing Act with John Katko’: A New Pilot Series

Published - October 1, 2024

Central New York’s public communications organization, WCNY, is excited to announce the premiere of “Balancing Act with John Katko,” a new political debate show. The first episode of a six-episode pilot series will air on WCNY-TV on Friday, October 4 at 8:30 p.m. In a media landscape often polarized by extreme viewpoints on The Right and on The Left, “Balancing Act with John Katko” seeks to provide an alternative perspective: The Center. It will strive to bring balance to discussions on divisive political issues—while adding a touch of fun along the way. Former Congressman John Katko (R-Camillus, NY) will be

WCNY Presents Pulso Central: Central New York’s First Spanish-Language Radio Station

Published - September 4, 2024

WCNY, Central New York’s public communications organization, is proud to announce Central New York’s first Spanish-language radio initiative, Pulso Central, debuting on September 15 during Hispanic Heritage Month. This new community-supported station will feature music, and local and national shows hosted by talented individuals discussing a range of topics relevant to the Spanish-speaking population in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley. Pulso Central will reach 19 counties on WCNY 91.3 HD-2 in Syracuse, WUNY 89.5 HD-2 in Utica, and WJNY 90.9 HD-2 in Watertown. It will also be accessible online at pulsocentral.com and streaming on the Pulso Central app.

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