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WCNY and WSKG to Celebrate Ithaca’s Porchfest with Documentary Screening and Block Party

Published - August 17, 2026

WCNY, Central New York’s public communications organization, in partnership with WSKG in Binghamton, NY, will host the Porchfest Screening & Block Party on Thursday, Sept. 17 from 5-8 p.m. at the State Theatre of Ithaca. The free community event begins at 5 p.m. with an outdoor block party on the 100 block of State Street, featuring live music, food trucks, and community fun. At 6 p.m., the celebration will continue inside the State Theatre of Ithaca with a screening of WCNY’s new half-hour documentary, “Porchfest: Neighbor to Neighbor, Song to Song.” The documentary explores the history and evolution of Porchfest,

Celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson to Headline WCNY’s 12th Annual Taste of Fame Fundraising Event

Published - July 24, 2026

WCNY, Central New York’s public communications organization, will host its 12th annual Taste of Fame culinary fundraiser featuring award-winning chef, restaurateur, and author Marcus Samuelsson on Friday, November 13 at Drumlins Country Club (800 Nottingham Rd, Syracuse). A world-renowned culinary figure, Samuelsson is an Emmy Award–winning television personality and eight-time James Beard Award winner. He is widely recognized as a longtime judge on Food Network’s “Chopped,” has appeared on shows like “Tournament of Champions” and “Beat Bobby Flay,” hosted “Top Chef: Family Style,” competed on Netflix’s “Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend,” and served as host and executive producer

WCNY Classic FM Supports Bill Knowlton’s 53rd Bluegrass Ramble Picnic

Published - July 14, 2026

WCNY Classic FM, Central New York’s public communications organization, invites you to attend the 53rd annual Bill Knowlton’s Bluegrass Ramble Picnic, the oldest continuously running bluegrass concert event in New York and New England. Central New York’s own “Mr. Bluegrass,” Bill Knowlton, serves as co-producer and emcee of the event. Since 1973, Bill has hosted the “Bluegrass Ramble” radio show, airing Sunday nights on Classic FM. The Bluegrass Ramble Picnic will take place Sunday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Dwyer Memorial Park in Little York. This free, family-friendly event will feature live performances from 15 bluegrass

WCNY Entertainment Academy Secures Third-Year Grant to Expand Workforce Training in Film and Television Production from Empire State Development

Published - May 14, 2026

WCNY, Central New York’s public communications organization, is proud to announce the continuation of its innovative WCNY Entertainment Academy, now entering its third year of grant-funded workforce development programming. This milestone reinforces WCNY’s commitment to building a diverse, skilled talent pipeline for the growing film, television, and digital media industries across the region. Since its inception, the WCNY Entertainment Academy has provided hands-on, career-focused training to underserved adults ages 25–39, equipping participants with industry-relevant skills across multiple production disciplines. The third-year grant will allow the Academy to expand its reach, deepen training opportunities, and strengthen pathways to employment. “This continued

WCNY to Honor Michael Haynie, Rear Admiral John Paddock, and Colonel Bill Smullen at Inaugural “Mission: Honor Our Heroes” Event

Published - April 7, 2026

WCNY, Central New York’s public communications organization, is proud to host its first annual “Mission: Honor Our Heroes” event, recognizing three distinguished leaders for their service and impact: Michael Haynie, founder and executive director of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) and incoming chancellor of Syracuse University; Rear Admiral John Paddock, co-founder of Honor Flight Syracuse; and Colonel Bill Smullen, former CEO of Clear Path for Veterans. The evening will be emceed by Dan Cummings. This special event supports WCNY’s continued production and distribution of “Honor Flight Syracuse.” All proceeds directly fund the creation and sharing of these

WCNY’s Hit Culinary and Party Show ‘Spatchcock Funk’ Returns Nationwide for Season 3

Published - March 24, 2026

WCNY, Central New York’s public communications organization, is excited to announce the return of its locally produced culinary and party show, “Spatchcock Funk.” Season 3 premieres Tuesday, April 7 at 9 p.m. on WCNY-TV and will air 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 spreads the love and puts on a spread, taking viewers on a culinary adventure. From trendy cocktails to fresh spins on classic dishes,

WCNY to Premiere Powerful New Documentary Featuring President Barack Obama at Hamilton College

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 thoughtful

WCNY Rebrands ‘CONNECT: NY’ 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

‘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

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