September marks the beginning of the new school year and a renewed focus on educational services at WXXI. So it is with great pride that I share some exciting news. WXXI has won its first national Emmy Award in its 42-year history and it is for one of our children’s productions. Biz Kid$, a WXXI co-production that promotes financial literacy for children, has garnered a Daytime Emmy Award. Though WXXI has won numerous regional and national awards for its programming, this is our first national Emmy and we couldn’t be more pleased!

 

Speaking of award winners, Homework Hotline– which recently won a New York State Broadcasters Association Award for Excellence – marks the beginning of a new school year with a new season of homework help. This live, statewide call-in show features Rochester teachers, who are experts in subjects across the curriculum, who help kids work through their homework assignments on television. The series gears up for its 19th season on Monday, September 14 at 5:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV, and on PBS stations across New York State.

 

In addition to Homework Hotline we welcome Assignment: The World back into our schedule. Produced in conjunction with The Associated Press, the seriesis the nation's longest-running instructional television program. Taped by schools and used in classrooms across the country, it brings the top news stories from around the globe each week, guiding students through complex issues in a safe environment.

 

Perhaps the most anticipated televised event this month is the premiere of Ken Burns’s documentary series, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, on Sunday, September 27 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV. The series tells the history of the National Park idea, chronicling its birth in the mid-1800s and tracing its evolution for nearly 150 years. The National Parks covers some of nature’s most spectacular locales – from Acadia to Yosemite, Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, and the Everglades of Florida to the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska.

 

Prior to the premiere, on Monday, September 14 at 8 p.m. WXXI will air an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of The National Parks. In National Parks Preview Special, Ken Burns takes viewers inside their new series. During the broadcast you’ll have the opportunity to receive two tickets to attend a LIVE private screening of National Parks Celebration From Central Park at WXXI Studios on Wednesday, September 23^rd. National Parks Celebration From Central Park is an exclusive live-via-satellite event that will feature musical performances by Alison Krauss, Carole King, and others, as well as clips from the film. It is a non-broadcast event, so it won’t air on PBS. It can only be seen in WXXI’s studios. Be sure to tune in on September 14 to find out how you can be part of this celebration!

 

On the radio side, Classical 91.5 will pay musical tribute to the City of Rochester's 175^th Anniversary with music composed, conducted, performed, inspired by or with historic significance to Rochester throughout September. In addition, we will be highlighting Rochester in as many arts features as possible throughout the month.

 

In September AM1370 will also continue its extensive coverage of the Rochester City School Board races. In addition to the 10-minute interview segments with all 14 candidates that have been airing on AM1370 since August 26, and will continue through September 4 at 12:45 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. (and posted at wxxi.org/vov), WXXI will host a Voice of the Voter forum on Wednesday, September 9 at 7 p.m. on AM1370/FM-HD91.5-2.  WXXI’s Bob Smith and WDKX’s Tariq Spence will moderate this live discussion with candidates and an audience comprised of school district students and young voters.

 

As you can see, there is plenty to celebrate this fall. But this is just the beginning, so be sure to check back soon for more exciting news from your public broadcasting station!