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  Contact: norms@wxxi.org

 

Twitter's labeling of NPR

By Norm Silverstein ~ Posted Thu, 04/13/2023 - 4:25pm
You couldn’t have listened to the news this week without hearing something about the "War of Words" between John Lansing, president of NPR, and Elon Musk, billionaire, inventor, and owner of the social media site Twitter. Musk has gotten it into his head that because NPR receives a small amount of funding from the federal government, it should be labeled as government-funded, with the implication that NPR is beholden to power brokers.
 
Let me assure you, nothing could be further from the truth.
 
NPR doesn’t pay member stations like WXXI to run their programming. We pay dues to NPR for the right to air their programming, helping to keep our members and our community informed. And where does that support come from? Member support, corporate underwriting, grants, bequests, and the generosity and interest of our listeners.
 
Why do people contribute? Because they know this is the place for fact-based journalism. This is Rochester’s place for news that matters. And, our reporters, announcers and editors are among the best.
 
In the more than 25 years that I’ve been at the helm at WXXI, I have never had a politician or government official call and try to influence me or get me to change a story. You’ve heard our pledge drives and may have made a gift yourself.
 
With your continued support, we’ll keep our community strong with news that matters, not confusing gibberish that seeks to undermine the truth. That’s what people expect from their WXXI… and that’s what we intend to deliver.
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More Recent Messages

Our transmitter is running at full power

By Norm Silverstein ~ Posted Wed, 08/29/2018 - 9:46am

If you were among those affected by the technical problems we experienced last month with our television transmitter, thank you for your patience. Our engineers worked literally around-the-clock to resolve the problems, with additional teams coming from as far away as Kansas City. We take access to our programming seriously and regret the disruptions to over-the-air viewers. 

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A New Documentary About Fred Rogers is a Must-See

By Norm Silverstein ~ Posted Mon, 07/23/2018 - 9:02am

My wife and I went to see “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” the wonderful documentary film about Fred Rogers, at the Little Theatre recently. There were more than a few tears shed that night by people who grew up with “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” or who watched the show with their children and grandchildren.

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Brewed in New York, a new series chronicling the craft beer revolution

By Norm Silverstein ~ Posted Thu, 06/28/2018 - 10:30am

If you have a thirst for adventure this summer, we may have just the thing for you! I’m pleased to announce that WXXI is presenting a new series that spotlights the craft beer revolution happening in our town and across New York State. Brewed in New York premieres Thursday, July 5 at 8:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV, as well as on public broadcasting stations across New York State.

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The Little Theatre's theater 1 undergoes restorations

By Norm Silverstein ~ Posted Thu, 05/10/2018 - 4:13pm

June marks the one year anniversary of the unveiling of the Little Theatre’s newly renovated Marquee. On June 12, 2017 the Marquee reclaimed its place as a beacon in the East End Cultural District, and we were joined by neighbors, friends, and supporters to celebrate the relighting with a great street party.

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