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

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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

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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,

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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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”

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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

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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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