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Vicente Fernandez: Un Azteca en el Azteca • WXXI-TV

 Revered as Mexico’s greatest living singer, Vicente Fernandez blends an operatic vocal range with a deep understanding of the roots of ranchera music.

Vicente Fernandez: Un Azteca en el Azteca airs Saturday, October 10 at 4 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streaming live on the WXXI and PBS apps.

 In this special, the Grammy-winning mariachi singer performs a historic farewell concert at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca, the largest stadium in Latin America. Filmed on April 16, 2016, the concert attracted a crowd of over 85,000 fans, creating a memorable send-off to the King of Ranchera.

Bucks County, USA — WXXI-TV

A five-part docuseries filmed over four years that looks beyond politics to offer an impartial, human perspective on a deeply divided community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania — a purple county in the country’s largest swing state. 

Bucks County, USA airs Mondays, October 5- 19 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI and PBS apps.

Through two 14-year-old best friends, Evi and Vanessa, caught between parents on opposite sides of America’s culture wars, the series asks whether a community — and a country — can follow the example of its children and find a new path forward.

The Outbreak airs 10/5 at 9 p.m.
COVID fury ignites a school board war in Bucks County over what can and can’t be taught in schools. Best friends Evi and Vanessa are caught in the middle—their own parents are political rivals. As the fight over the schools grows more bitter and personal, the stage is set for a gripping clash over power, identity, and who gets to shape the next generation.

The Petri Dish airs 10/12 at 9 p.m.
Vitriol escalates as battles over school policies intensify across Bucks County. A student roundtable and an unlikely alliance between two teachers with opposing political views offer a flicker of hope that it’s still possible to reach across the aisle.

Duck Soup airs 10/12 at 10 p.m.
While the efforts to find common ground gain traction, a federal investigation over allegations of discrimination, a controversial new library policy, and escalating campaign tactics in the fight to win control of the school board push Bucks County closer to the edge.

Peace Valley airs 10/19 at 9 p.m.
As the school board elections reach a crescendo, the conflict gets personal. Amid brief moments of connection, students and parents alike suffer bullying, threats, and isolation, while activists take their battles to a national stage. Election night comes at last, and the community gathers, terrified and hopeful, to hear the results.

What Will Your Story Be? airs 10/19 at 10 p.m.
Election results arrive in an emotional wave of joy, tears, and fresh allegations. A new board stumbles, friendships are tested, and a national election heightens the stakes. Then, a deeply emotional roundtable cuts through it all—clarifying what the series was always about: what is division doing to our children? The next generation dares to believe they’ll find a better way.

Episodes repeat Sundays, October 11- November 1 at 11 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

Hispanic & Latino profiles • WXXI News

WXXI News Health, Equity and Community reporter Racquel Stephen profiles members of the Hispanic community in the Rochester area who are making an impact. Go to WXXINews.org to read and listen to her profiles and other stories from local Latino communities. For a full list of WXXI programs and specials that feature Hispanic/Latino Americans, click here.

Meet Adrian Franco, The Man Behind the mic at the Puerto Rican Festival

Meet Daniella Veras, The Mayor’s Right Hand

Click here to listen/read the full profile
Click her to listen/read the full profile

September’s Family Movie Friday: Sesame Street and the Great Elephant Adventure

WXXI’s Family Movie Friday in September will premiere the upcoming special “Sesame Street and the Great Elephant Adventure”!

About the Movie

Join Elmo and the Sesame Street friends on a once-in-a-lifetime African safari adventure. After adopting an orphaned elephant online, Elmo, Abby and Nina travel to The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya to meet the young elephant and the keepers who care for her. In Sesame Street’s first-ever safari, our friends embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery, taking them from the caring confines of the elephant sanctuary to the unpredictable African bush, where they come face to face with some of nature’s most iconic wildlife, including lions, zebras, giraffes and hippos. Presented in collaboration with Sesame Workshop and PBS Nature.

What to Know & Registration

Family Movie Fridays are a series of free family movie nights hosted at WXXI Studios. Families can join our WXXI Education team to watch a PBS KIDS movie or group of themed-episodes, play, and connect with other local families. All Family Movie Fridays are free, but registration is required.

Who: Family Movie Fridays are open to all kids and their families. All kids must be accompanied by an adult (over the age of 18). All adults must stay with their children throughout the entire event. Events are most appropriate for kids ages 2-8 years old.

When: Friday, September 25, 2026. Doors open at 5:45 p.m., movie starts at 6 p.m. Movie running time is about 1 hour; includes either one 1-hour movie or two 30-minute special episodes. Families are welcome to stay for part or all of the movie night experience.

Where: WXXI Studios – 280 State Street, Rochester, NY, Parking is available next door at High Falls Parking Garage

Family Movie Friday Registration

Grownup Name(Required)
Please include area code.
Families who register will receive a confirmation email and a reminder email.
I understand that Family Movie Fridays are a whole family experience. Children must be accompanied by an adult (18+) at all times.(Required)
I understand that Family Movie Fridays will be captured with video and photo for documentation purposes and to share portions with WXXI’s funders, as well as our local community.(Required)
Please describe any accesibility needs below or contact Rachel Rosner at RRosner@wxxi.org.

American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez Screening & Discussion • WXXI Studios

Join WXXI for a FREE screening of American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez, a film produced, written and directed by David Alvarado. Follow the legacy of filmmaker and playwright Luis Valdez. A founding figure of the Chicano Movement, Valdez is best known for his play Zoot Suit, the Ritchie Valens biopic La Bamba and the theatre company El Teatro Campesino.

The film screening will be followed by a panel discussion through 9pm.

Details:
“American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez” Screening & Panel Discussion
Thursday, October 1, 2026. Doors open at 6 p.m. Screening starts at 6:30 p.m. Panel ends at 9p.m.
WXXI Studio A
280 State Street, Rochester, NY 14614

Parking available next door at High Falls Garage.

This event is free, but reservations are required due to limited space. Event Details Here

The screening will run from 6:30-8:10pm, followed by a panel discussion which will end by 9pm

Reserve Your Spot


Panel Moderator: Julio Sáenz, WXXI Chief Content Officer.

Panelists:

Annette Ramos, Latinx Community Leader, Social Justice Advocate, Arts Curator & Executive Director Rochester Latino Theatre Company
Ricardo Figueroa, Director, School of Film and Animation at Rochester Institute of Technology & John Traver Endowed Professor 
Jason Barber, Co-Founder and Curator of ¡Presente! Film Series, Educator /Community Engagement Expert/Artist

Cover Photo: Luis Valdez in interview. Credit: Frasier Bradshaw.

About the film:
The son of migrant farmworkers who became a revolutionary artist, Luis Valdez changed American culture. In the 1960s, his El Teatro Campesino performed on flatbed trucks and helped mobilize farmworkers to win their first union contract. In 1979, his “Zoot Suit” was the first Chicano play ever performed on Broadway. His feature film, “La Bamba” was a breakout blockbuster in 1987 that authentically depicted Mexican American life and shared it with the world. Founded in 1965, Valdez’s El Teatro continues to be a beacon for Latino/a creators. American Pachuco is the story of a pioneering artist who gave voice to the overlooked and opened pathways for generations. Learn more at the American Masters’ Episode Website

Official Trailer

Family Movie Fridays

Lights, camera, family fun! This fall WXXI is kicking off a special family series called”Family Movie Fridays”. Families (kids + grownups) are invited to WXXI Studios each month for a PBS KIDS-themed movie experience to watch, play, and learn together.

Family Movie Night is a special opportunity for families to visit WXXI and enjoy a PBS KIDS movie special or collection of themed-episodes on the big screen in our studio! Families can take part in hands-on activities inspired by the featured program, pick up free PBS KIDS learning resources to continue the fun at home, and connect with other families in the community. Along the way, families will also discover how WXXI’s Early Learning Team brings PBS KIDS to life through engaging educational experiences and collaborations that help build a strong foundation for young learners.

Movie Night Schedule:

For more information and registration, click on the Movie Night below.

October 23: Halloween Boo-nanza!
November 20: Carnival of the Animals
December 18: Holiday Hoopla! (featuring Lyla in the Loop + TBD)
January 22: Winter Wonderland (featuring Molly of Denali & Elinor Wonders Why)
February 26: Odd Squad the Movie
March 19: Acoustic Rooster and the Barnyard Band
April 23: Wild Kratts Our Blue & Green World
May 21: Double Feature: Daniel Visits Somplace Else + Donkey Hodie Roadtrip

Please note the schedule of PBS KIDS movies or themed-episodes is subject to change.

Other Important Information

Friday fun! Movie Nights are held on Fridays, once a month, at WXXI Studios. Doors open at 5:45 p.m., and the movie will start at 6 p.m. Running time is about 1 hour.

Registration is required for each event. All of the events are free, but registration is required. Families must register separately for each Family Movie Friday they plan to attend. Upon registration, families will recieve a confirmation email with additional event details.

Bring your own food! Pack dinner, snacks, or whatever your family enjoys munching on during the movie.

Get cozy! Feel free to bring blankets, pillows, or other comfy items to make your viewing experience more enjoyable. Pajamas are welcome! Kids are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite PJs.

Limited seating is available. A small number of tables and chairs will be available on a first come, first served basis. For safety and space considerations, outside chairs are not permitted.

Accessibility accommodations. If someone in your family has accessibility needs, please include them in the registration form and/or contact Rachel Rosner at RRosner@wxxi.org prior to the event so we can help ensure a positive experience for everyone.

WXXI Studios

Your idea. Our studios. Professional production. 

Whether you’re producing a podcast, shooting a commercial, creating digital content, hosting a live event or bringing a full-scale production to Rochester, WXXI Studios offers professional spaces, equipment, and award-winning production crews to help bring it to life. 

Get started.

Studio A

Our 74′ × 50′ fully equipped HD studio is built for everything from multi-camera video productions and commercial shoots to live performances.  We have an optional stage, green room and concessions area to create the setup that works for your production or event. Hosting an audience? Studio A can accommodate up to 150 guests and offers street-level loading dock access for an easier load-in and load-out. 

Ideal for Commercial & video productions •  Multi-camera film shoots • Corporate events • Panels & town halls • Productions with a live audience 

Production capabilities:

Need production support? WXXI’s experienced production crew and professional equipment are available to help take your project from setup through production. 

Studio A is equipped with professional broadcast production technology, including: 

  • Cameras:  Up to six Grass Valley LDX 82 studio cameras with full Fujinon lenses, teleprompters and confidence monitors, plus up to two handheld cameras 
  • Camera movement: 8′ or 14′ jib arm with wide-angle lens 
  • Audio:  Wireless and hardwired microphones, 2-channel IFB and RTS ROAMEO wireless belt packs 
  • Lighting:  ETC ColorSource 40 AV lighting console with wireless DMX connectivity and DeSisti and Chauvet LED fixtures 
  • Studio environment: 240’+ traveling black curtains and 120′ cyc on an 18′ track 
  • Production access: Street-level loading dock for equipment and set load-in 

Professional Production Control Room 

Our production control room connects to Studio A + C and utilizes a Ross Vision 3 switcher and XPression real-time motion graphics system for seamless integration.  

Video recording and playback (HD or SD) via profile servers.  

CueScript teleprompter system. Calrec Brio 36 input audio console with 360 systems Instant Replay 2 and Digicart-EX audio playback/record devices. CD playback.   

Wireless microphones and IFBs along with Telos V Set broadcast phone controller. Producers, directors, and crew staffing are available. 

Rent Studio A

Studio B — Podcast + Interview Studio

Professional sound. Professional video. A space built for conversation. 

If you need a professional space to record a podcast or create an interview series for your organization, Studio B provides an opportunity to create broadcast quality audio and video content without building your own production setup. 

Studio B is a self-contained HD video podcast studio designed for intimate, conversation-driven productions with two to three people.  

The fully lit 10′ × 16′ hard green wall, giving creators the flexibility to record stand-ups, custom backgrounds and additional video content during their session. 

Ideal for Audio & video podcasts • Executive interviews • Branded content • Thought leadership • Educational series • YouTube shows • Green-screen content 

Production capabilities:

  • Multi-camera video: Up to four cameras with individual ISO recordings 
  • Live switching: Blackmagic ATEM SDI Extreme ISO switcher operated by an assigned WXXI Studios director, with a switched master recording 
  • Professional audio: Up to three Shure SM7B microphones recorded through a RØDECaster Pro II 
  • Green screen: Fully lit 10′ × 16′ hard green wall for stand-ups and other video productions 
  • Professional lighting: ETC ColorSource 40AV lighting console with wireless DMX connectivity and DeSisti and Chauvet LED fixtures 
  • Flexible studio environment: Traveling black velour curtains around the full studio perimeter and traveling gray cyc around half the studio perimeter 
  • Production support: WXXI Studios director included when using the multi-camera production system; additional production and post-production services available 
Rent Studio B

Studio C — Creator + Vertical Production Studio

Studio C is a versatile 43’ x 61’ production space designed for creators, filmmakers and production teams working in today’s evolving video formats. From vertical films and microdramas to social media series, interviews, branded content and green-screen productions, Studio C offers a professional environment for creating high-quality content efficiently. 

A fully lit standing set accommodates intimate interviews and discussion-table formats for up to five people, while a 12′ × 32′ corner green-screen cyclorama with floor provides flexibility for virtual environments, visual effects and scripted productions. 

For producers shooting vertical series and microdramas, Studio C offers the production infrastructure to capture multiple setups, scenes and episodes in a controlled studio environment—with professional cameras, lighting and WXXI production support available under one roof. 

Ideal for Vertical films & microdramas • Short-form scripted series • Social media video • Branded content • Interviews & panel discussions • Green-screen production • YouTube content • Commercial shoots

Production capabilities:

  • Multi-camera production: Up to three Grass Valley LDX 82 studio cameras with Fujinon lenses, teleprompters and confidence monitors 
  • Additional camera options: Up to two handheld cameras 
  • Camera movement: 8′ or 14′ jib arm with wide-angle lens 
  • Green screen: Fully lit 12′ × 32′ corner hard green cyclorama with floor 
  • Standing set: Fully lit set for intimate interviews or discussion-table productions with up to five people 
  • Crew communication: RTS ROAMEO wireless beltpacks 
  • Production access: Freight elevator accessible for equipment, props and production materials 
  • Production support: WXXI professional crew and additional production services available 
Rent Studio C

Studio E — Music Recording Suite

Your sound deserves more than a microphone and a laptop. 

Studio E is WXXI’s dedicated audio recording space for musicians, vocalists, voice talent and anyone who needs professional-quality sound. The Audio Production Suite features an attached voice booth and Pro Tools, creating an intimate environment for everything from audition recordings and demos to music sessions, voiceover and album projects. 

Whether you’re capturing a solo performance, recording a small ensemble or preparing an audition that needs to sound its best, WXXI’s professional audio capabilities and experienced production team can help you create a polished recording. From the first take to the final track, record it at WXXI Studios. 

Ideal for Music recording • Album & EP projects • Audition recordings • Demos • Solo artists • Small ensembles • Voiceover • Narration • Audiobooks 

Audio capabilities:

  • Professional recording:  Audio Production Suite equipped with Pro Tools 
  • Voice booth:  Attached dedicated booth for vocals, voiceover and narration 
  • Music production:  Recording capabilities for solo artists and smaller performance groups 
  • Remote interviews:  High-quality remote phone interviews to or from anywhere in the world 
  • On-location recording:  WXXI’s remote audio truck is available for live performances and event recordings 
  • Audio + video production:  Remote audio services can also be paired with WXXI’s on-location multi-camera video production 
  • Production support:  WXXI audio professionals available to support recording sessions and productions 
Rent Studio E

Creative Services

On-location, Multi-camera Video Production  

  • Up to six JVC ProHD GY-HM790U cameras with Fujinon lenses, or Sony FX6 and FX3 cameras 
  • Blackmagic ATEM SDI Extreme ISO eight-input switcher                      
  • LED lighting packages available 

Video Field Production:

One or more videographers available for video and audio capture

  • Sony FX6 and FX3, DJI Osmo Pro, and GoPro cameras 
  • LED lighting and wireless microphone packages available; audio engineer with mixer available as needed 
  • Drone operator 

Post Production:

  • Adobe Premiere edit stations complete with Creative Suite 
  • Editor/postproduction supervisor and motion graphics artist available 

Uplinks:

WXXI is the only station in the region with a specially equipped HD uplink studio to partner with major US and World networks like ABC, CNN, NBC, MSNBS, FOX-TV, Bloomberg Television, Al Jazeera-TV in the US and Great Britain. 

Get started!
Contact:
Jazz Williams, Manger of Creator Partnerships
jzwilliams@wxxi.org
(585) 910-2195

RIT Shorts, Pt. 5 • WXXI-TV

WXXI continues to put a spotlight on the work of Rochester Institute of Technology film and animation students by presenting a series of shorts biannually.

RIT Shorts airs Thursday, September 24 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV and the WXXI-TV Live Stream. Repeats Friday, September 25 at 10:30 p.m, Saturday, September 26 at 3 p.m., and Sunday, September 27 at 11 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

RIT Shorts is a bi-annual series that showcases the work of some of RIT’s most impressive student filmmakers, offering these young producers a platform to share their films to a broader audience while offering WXXI viewers the chance to see the incredible talent that RIT is cultivating.

Featured films include:

The Interview by Gianneska Romero
Beatrice is unexpectedly interviewed by her childhood self, who questions whether she has achieved the dreams and ambitions she once imagined. As she reveals the disappointment she feels about her life, her younger self rejects her and chooses an idealized version of Beatrice who embodies every childhood aspiration. Heartbroken and unable to follow them, Beatrice is pulled back to reality, where she silently prepares for another shift at her dead-end fast food job.

A little girl wearing a blue dress sits across from her grown-up self wearing a Black dress. They are sitting at a desk and there is an opne book on the desk.

Apple and the World Eater by Sarah Chen 
Apple and The World Eater follows a little girl named Apple and her best friend, Billions, a walking capsule machine, as they confront the cosmic deity that has been consuming their world.

Family Portrait by Ryan Fay
A single view of a family’s kitchen provides a window into a child’s life, as family memories unfold over the years.

A mom and son in a kitchen standing next to the sink. the son is earing a graduation cap and gown and then mom is looking lovingly at him.
A boy with blonde hair wearing a green space suite looks determined. Behind him a Black boy n a red space suit looking surprised.

Starhead by Samara Reid
Two amateur space cadets attempt to save their captain from a dastardly villain. 

Bugs in Hubris by Malachi Spight
It’s a slow summer day. There’s nothing to do and, most importantly, nothing to eat. Three little bugs long for a meal, searching for something to satisfy their hunger. But food may be closer than they think, and retrieving it may come with consequences. 

A red bug on a green leaf

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