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‘Balancing Act with John Katko’ to Air Nationally on WORLD, On Demand via Podcast, and Streaming
by
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 order to explore big issues in U.S. politics and policy.
Episodes tackle timely topics such as AI regulation, redistricting, and National Guard deployments. Guests include policymakers, former officials, and commentators. For example, one episode featured Ambassador Nikki Haley discussing America’s role in the world.
“These are the most important issues of the day and it’s about time we try and approach them as Americans, not just from the left and right,” Katko said. “We’re encouraged and motivated by the initial pilot run and ready to offer the show to a much wider audience on TV to create more ways for viewers to understand the most important issues of the day in a way that breaks the partisan divide.”
“Balancing Act” aims to tame the circus that has become two-party politics in the U.S., and to provide a little marriage counseling for a house divided. The show will air on WORLD on Saturdays at 6 p.m. ET and Sundays at 4 p.m. ET starting November 1 and November 2, 2025.
“We are pleased to welcome ‘Balancing Act with John Katko’ to WORLD’s national lineup. This series reflects a deep understanding of what our viewers are seeking: thoughtful, nuanced discussions that cut through the noise,” said Ron Bachman, senior director of programming for GBH and WORLD.
The new “Balancing Act Podcast” will feature full episodes and, over time, evolve to include more original content. Episodes will be available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
In addition, “Balancing Act” will launch enhanced digital and social media channels, offering clips, community spotlights, and interactive features to foster engagement around what America is talking about. Expect to see highlights of the most important and entertaining clips to make this important conversation accessible to voters across the political and demographic spectrum.
“At a time when PBS funding is under attack, we felt like it was important to make a statement that today, despite the headwinds, we can offer post-partisan information and solutions to the issues dividing the U.S.,” Mitch Gelman, President and CEO of WCNY said. “It’s encouraging that after a short pilot run in our local market, there was demand to make this production universally accessible through our enhanced partnership with WORLD and to launch on digital platforms.”
To learn more, visit balancingactwithjohnkatko.com. For viewing information, visit wcny.org/wheretowatch or stream live at wcny.org/livestream.
For media inquiries or further information for a feature article, please reach out to Lauren Easton at lauren.easton@wcny.org or call 585-797-4314.
About WCNY
WCNY was founded in 1965 as The Educational Television Council of Central New York. Today, it is a public communications organization that produces content across multiple platforms, including television and radio, dynamic web and targeted email content, the WCNY CONNECT magazine, and social media. Through its media platforms, in-person and virtual events, WCNY brings local coverage and educational services to Central New Yorkers. WCNY operates four digital, pledge-free broadcast channels and three radio stations. Classic FM is one of the few radio stations in the world dedicated to locally programmed classical music, and Pulso Central is Central New York’s first Spanish-language radio station.
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