INSIDE WXXI PUBLIC MEDIA | WXXI-TV PBS AM 1370/FM 107.5 NPR l WXXI CLASSICAL WRUR-FM 88.5 l THE LITTLE THEATRE
This year marks WXXI President Norm Silverstein’s 25th anniversary. Under his leadership, WXXI has grown its services, acquired The Little Theatre, formed the Rochester Area Media Partners and the purchase of CITY, plus has assembled the most robust news team in the region. We sat down with Norm to ask about his work experiences over the last two and half decades.
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What do you see as the biggest changes in WXXI since you began in 1996? During the last 25 years, we have been part of the “digital revolution.” Going digital has allowed us to expand from one public television station and two radio stations to four digital television channels and six public radio stations. We continue to embrace the ever-changing landscape so that people can access our services where they want and when they want. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube have changed what we do and how we do it, and the next change is likely around the corner. Stay tuned!
What accomplishments at WXXI are you most proud of and why? WXXI Public Media is a trusted source in the Greater Rochester area and our acquisition of the Little Theatre and CITY Newspaper has only strengthened that reputation. The way we served our community during the pandemic is something we’re all very proud of. Our national health series, Second Opinion with Joan Lunden, in partnership with the University of Rochester Medical Center, has made a difference in so many lives – and our Move to Include initiative, with the Golisano Foundation, has expanded to a national pilot, as we promote inclusion for people with disabilities.
How has the state of journalism changed since you were a reporter -- or has it? The proliferation of 24-hour cable news channels and opinion masquerading as news has changed journalism, and not for the better. “Balanced reporting” used to be the goal, no matter what you personally thought. Reporters should be watchdogs, and there are plenty of examples of corruption and questionable behavior in communities that have lost local papers.
What do you think separates WXXI News & CITY from other news outlets? WXXI News and CITY are dedicated to giving people the facts about what’s going on, not just opinions. We don’t live or die by the latest breaking news story. Our goal is to be the place to turn to for local journalism that you can trust. Our long-form reporting and daily talk show Connections with Evan Dawson are examples that give voice and understanding of the issues important to our community.
What do you hope to accomplish with the WXXI Local Journalism Initiative? This initiative is designed to strengthen our local news coverage because local journalism is critical to the health of our community. Of course, we still need to be able to pay for reporters, commentators, equipment, etc., and our audiences have been very supportive. WXXI News and CITY News are sharing more stories and exchanging exciting ideas, and that helps keep our costs down. This initiative will ensure that quality, local journalism from our news team is sustainable for years to come. roccitynews.com CITY 23