Press Releases Archive

WXXI Public Media Names Mona Isler Chief of Staff

Rochester, New York (July 1, 2025) – WXXI Public Media today announces the promotion of Mona Isler to Chief of Staff. Isler has been with the public media organization since 2013, serving as the Executive Office Administrator to the President & CEO and Executive Vice President, and liaison to the Board of Trustees. In her new position, she will serve as a strategic advisor and operational leader to the President & CEO, ensuring that the CEO’s priorities are effectively executed across the organization.

“Mona Isler has always been the heart of WXXI, ensuring our mission reaches every corner of our organization and our community,” said President & CEO Chris Hastings. “As I continue to reshape my leadership team, Mona is exactly the strategic partner I need – her talent, dedication, and deep local connections will help us guide WXXI into its next chapter.”

As Chief of Staff, Isler will also oversee cross-departmental coordination, managing key strategic initiatives, and providing leadership in board governance

and external  community relations.  She will continue to serve as the liaison to the Board of Trustees and the Community Advisory Board. 

A strong supporter of this community, Isler’s volunteer work includes serving on the board of the Susan B. Anthony Museum. She previouslyserved as the Board Secretary and Chair of the Governance Committee of the Interdenominational Health Ministry Coalition, which assists faith organizations in developing, sustaining, and growing health ministries to help mitigate health disparities in communities of color.  She also sat on the Wilmont Cancer Center African American Advisory Council, HealthiKids PlayRocs Advocacy Group, and served as a Support Group Volunteer for the Greater Rochester Scleroderma Support Group. She was previously a member of the Center for Community Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Council.

 Isler is a graduate of the United Way’s African American Leadership Development Program, Class of 2016. She was a nominee in the inaugural class of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Colors of Success DEI Awards in 2022. 

 Isler has two adult children, Andrew and Aja, and is the grandmother to her pride and joy, Aizen. She enjoys doing improvisational comedy with her troupe Guilt & Mirrors, baking, and traveling.

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New York Public News Network Hires Jeongyoon Han as a Capitol News Bureau Reporter • Read about it here

Jeongyoon Han /Credit: Max Schulte

(Rochester, NY) January 6, 2025 –  Jeongyoon Han has been hired as a Capitol News Bureau reporter for the New York Public News Network (NYPNN), a reporting collaboration among 13 New York State public media organizations, including WXXI.

Han will be reporting from Albany on issues of statewide interest and importance in collaboration with other NYPNN reporters.

Han brings a wealth of experience reporting for national and local public media on politics and policy. She comes to NYPNN from NPR, where she was a field producer and researcher with a reporting focus on the 2024 presidential election and national security. She also produced the NPR Politics Podcast.

Han was hired after an extensive search and interview process that involved a panel of public news leaders from across the state network. She fills the position left open by Capitol News Bureau Chief Karen DeWitt, who retired after a distinguished career of 30-plus years in public radio.

Han has also worked at New Hampshire Public Radio, Weekend Edition and WAMC Northeast Public Radio. A Syracuse native, Han is a graduate of Williams College, where she received her degree in political science and Chinese. She wrote for the school newspaper there and ultimately served as editor-in-chief.

NYPNN is a collaboration among 13 New York State public media stations — including WXXI — that coordinates editorial planning and shares digital, audio, and video stories to offer deeper, more relevant coverage, reduce overlap, and feature the broadest possible range of diverse voices that make the Empire State special and unique.

Contact: Kristin Tutino, Communications Manager, WXXI Public Media, 585-258-0253

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Hannah Maier named Music Director of The Route

(Rochester, NY) September 24, 2024 – WXXI Public Media has hired Hannah Maier as Music Director of The Route. Maier, who currently hosts Candyland Monday nights on WRUR-FM 88.5 (Rochester)/WITH-FM 90.1 (Ithaca), takes on her new role with a strong focus on music discovery on Monday, September 30th.

As Music Director, Maier will play a vital role in shaping the musical identity of The Route. Her responsibilities include discovering fresh music and emerging artists, both locally and nationally, while actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with regional talent. Maier is committed to ensuring that The Route serves as a place for homegrown artists, strengthening its ties to the Finger Lakes community. She will also host The Route’s 2-6 p.m. shift every weekday, offering her audience a carefully curated listening experience each afternoon.

Active in the local music scene, Maier is the lead singer and guitarist for the country band Candy. She is also the owner of Mom’s Home Booking, a full-service booking agency curating events with a focus on music shows of all genres and origins. Prior to joining The Route, Maier worked for Sound Source.

Maier has a bachelors in fine arts from Alfred University.

Photo: Hannah Maier • Credit: Kevin Indovino
Contact: Kristin Tutino, WXXI Communications Manager

WXXI Welcomes Chris Hastings, Award-Winning Executive Producer and Public Media Leader, as the New President & CEO

(Rochester, NY) September 10, 2024 – WXXI Public Media is excited to announce the appointment of Chris Hastings as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Hastings brings to WXXI a rich and diverse background in public media, joining from GBH in Boston, where he served as Executive Producer and Editor-in-Chief of the WORLD Channel. Throughout his career, Hastings has been dedicated to creating content that connects with local communities and reflects the full spectrum of American life.

Hastings began his journalism career at Black Entertainment Television (BET) as part of the original team behind the award-winning news talk show “BET Tonight.” This formative experience focused on covering critical issues within the Black community and sparked Hastings’s commitment to inclusive storytelling in public media.

“BET was where I first realized the power of media to inform and inspire communities,” Hastings reflects. “It was an invaluable experience that shaped my approach to content curation storytelling and public engagement.”

After BET, Hastings transitioned to GBH in Boston, where he spent over 20 years wearing many hats and making significant contributions across various projects and platforms. He initially worked on the beloved children’s live-action series “ZOOM,” where he honed his skills in helping to produce content that engaged young audiences through interactive and educational programming.

Hastings then turned his focus to local public affairs, working on and supporting post-production on several of GBH’s local flagship programs, including “Greater Boston,” “Basic Black,” and “La Plaza.” These local programs were instrumental in addressing the needs and interests of local communities, from exploring critical social issues to celebrating cultural diversity. “Working on these local public affairs programs allowed me to dive deep into the fabric of Boston’s diverse communities and understand the unique role public media plays in fostering informed and engaged citizens,” Hastings noted.

As digital media began to evolve, Hastings led the innovative WGBH Lab, a platform designed to experiment with new forms of storytelling and engage with audiences in creative ways. Under his leadership, WGBH Lab became a hub for emerging content creators, pushing the boundaries of traditional media and exploring the intersection of technology and storytelling.

His work at the WGBH Lab led to WORLD Channel. Hastings has served as Executive Producer and Editor-in-Chief for the national public media platform, where he continued his mission to elevate diverse perspectives through critically acclaimed documentary series. This includes “America ReFramed,” “Local USA,” and “Doc World,” which he co-created and has lead curation and production for more than 12 years. These series have provided a platform for underrepresented voices and stories, reinforcing Hastings’s commitment to inclusivity and community-focused content.

“Chris is an extraordinary leader whose career reflects a profound dedication to public media and its role in serving all communities,” said David M. Tang, Chair of the WXXI Board of Trustees. “His extensive experience, from his early days at BET to his dynamic leadership at GBH, uniquely positions him to lead WXXI with vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to diversity.”

Hastings’s approach to public media is rooted in the belief that it should serve as a bridge, connecting diverse communities and fostering understanding. “Public media has the unique ability to reach across divides and bring people together,” Hastings shared. “I am excited to join WXXI, a station with a strong legacy of community engagement, and to continue to help present content that not only informs but also inspires and empowers.”

“Joining WXXI and coming to Rochester is more than just a career move — it’s a chance to be part of a community-focused organization that understands the transformative power of local media. WXXI’s work demonstrates how a local station can act as a pillar of support, education, and cultural enrichment for its community, and I am excited to lead and expand upon this essential mission.”

A graduate of Kutztown State University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications, Hastings furthered his education with a Master of Arts in Film from American University in Washington, D.C. Originally from Chester, PA, just outside of Philadelphia, Hastings remains deeply connected to his roots, where most of his family still resides. He is also a proud father and husband, values that have deeply influenced his career and commitment to community-focused storytelling.

His work has earned numerous awards, including the Peabody Award, duPont-Columbia Award, News & Documentary Emmy Award, and International Documentary Association Award. Beyond his professional achievements, Hastings is a champion of independent film distribution through the public media system. He frequently partners with ITVS, American Documentary Inc., and public media stations across the country to ensure diverse stories reach broad audiences. Hastings is also passionate about nurturing new talent and regularly collaborates with organizations such as the National Multicultural Alliance and Firelight Media to support emerging voices in the industry.

Hastings will begin his role at WXXI on November 11, 2024, succeeding Norm Silverstein, who has been WXXI’s President & CEO since 1995. Under Silverstein’s leadership, WXXI expanded significantly, growing from a single television station and two radio stations to multiple television and radio channels, The Little Theatre, and CITY Magazine.

WXXI looks forward to this new chapter under Hastings, a leader dedicated to using public media to reflect, serve, and connect all communities in Rochester and beyond.

Photo credit: Patricia Alvarado Nuñez

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WXXI News Wins a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award • Read about it here

A white woman with blonde shoulder length hair wearing a blue button down shirt sits in a radio studio.

WXXI News has won a regional Edward R. Murrow Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) in the ‘News Series’ category for “Avoiding loneliness is a challenge for some older adults living on their own.” The winning series was written and produced by WXXI News reporter and “Morning Edition” local host Beth Adams.

The two-part series looks at loneliness in older adults. Part one features an older woman who realized she needed to find connections with other adults after her husband was diagnosed with dementia. In part two of the series, an older woman shares how she’s coping with living alone as she ages.

The RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Awards are among the most prestigious in broadcast and digital news. Honoring outstanding achievements in broadcast and digital journalism, RTDNA recognizes local and national news stories that uphold the RTDNA Code of Ethics, demonstrate technical expertise, and exemplify the importance and impact of journalism as a service to the community.

The regional Edward R. Murrow Award winners now move on to the national round of the competition. National winners will be announced in August of 2024.

Photo: WXXI News reporter and “Morning Edition” local host Beth Adams
Credit: John Schlia Photography

**AL SIGL COMMUNITY OF AGENCIES AND WXXI CELEBRATE 20 YEARS OF DIALOGUE ON DISABILITY, A WEEK-LONG PROGRAMMING INITIATIVE FOCUSED ON BREAKING THE STEREOTYPES OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES**

Dialogue on Disability Runs January 9-15, 2023

Rochester, New York (December 30, 2022) – Now in its 20^th year, Dialogue on Disability: The Herman & Margaret Schwartz Community Series encourages community discussion about the perspectives and abilities of people with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities.

The annual initiative, hosted by Al Sigl Community of Agencies and WXXI Public Media, works to create a community that is more inclusive for people of all abilities. Kicking off Monday, January 9, the week-long initiative includes special programming on WXXI-TV, radio, and at The Little Theatre.

The centerpiece of the week is a FREE screening of Unseen: How We’re Failing Parent Caregivers & Why It Matters on Wednesday, January 11 at 7:15 p.m. at The Little Theatre (240 East Avenue). The film takes an honest look at the lives of caregivers for children and adults who have developmental and intellectual disabilities and/or who have complex medical needs. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Jeiri Flores, Advocacy Specialist, Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities and LEND Self-Advocacy Co-Discipline Coordinator.

Special programming on WXXI television and radio include:

PBS Kids Programming
The week of January 9 on WXXI-TV
All week long, WXXI-TV will air special PBS Kids programs with disability representation including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Daniel and Max Play a Game (1/9 at 2 p.m.) Dinosaur Train: Dennis Comes to Visit (1/13 at 12 p.m.), Arthur: When Carl Met George (1/10 at 6:30 a.m.).

Connections with Evan Dawson
The week of January 9 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on WXXI News, WRUR-FM 88.5 and WXXINews.org

WXXI’s daily talk show, hosted by Evan Dawson, will have several guests from member agencies and affiliates within Al Sigl Community of Agencies throughout the week.

Dialogue on Disability Focus
Throughout January on WXXI Classical & WXXIClassical.org
WXXI Classical presents performances by musicians with disabilities, as well as special features highlighting musicians with differing abilities and explores the concept of undifferentiated participation in music and adaptive musical instruments.

POV: I Didn’t See You There
Monday, January 9 at 10 p.m. on WXXI-TV
When a circus tent goes up outside his Oakland apartment, a disabled filmmaker launches into a meditative journey exploring the history of freakdom, vision, and (in)visibility.

A Good Life
Tuesday, January 10 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV
This WXXI production takes an intimate look into the lives of six adults living with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and their families. The film shares the challenges and opportunities they face, while leading national experts and historians in the field offer insight.

American Masters: Becoming Helen Keller|
Thursday, January 12 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV
American Masters looks at the complex life and legacy of author and activist Helen Keller (1880-1968), who was deaf and blind since childhood. The program explores how she used her celebrity and wit to advocate for social justice, particularly for women, workers, people with disabilities and people living in poverty.

In a Different Key
Friday, January 13 at 9 p.m. on WXXI-TV
This documentary follows the film’s producer, the mother of an autistic son as she finds and then befriends the first child ever diagnosed with autism – Donald Triplett, who still lives in the small Mississippi town where he was born nearly 90 years ago.

POV: He’s My Brother
Saturday, January 14 at 4 p.m. on WXXI-TV
Christine’s brother Peter experiences his world through touch, smell, and taste. Now 30 years old, Peter’s family is having trouble finding the proper care for his multiple disabilities. This film explores how the family works to assure him a dignified life once the parents are gone.

Dialogue on Disability is a partnership between WXXI and Al Sigl Community of Agencies in conjunction with the Herman and Margaret Schwartz Community Series. The initiative is supported by the Fred L. Emerson Foundation with additional support from The Golisano Foundation.

To learn more about the initiative and for a complete list of all the programming, visit www.wxxi.org/dod.

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Al Sigl Community of Agencies provides high-quality, cost-effective real estate and business services while fostering community awareness and philanthropic support to non-profit organizations that serve children and adults with disabilities and special needs.

WXXI is the essential, life-long educational media resource for the Greater Rochester area. WXXI puts the community first with programming that stimulates and expands thought, inspires the spirit, opens cultural horizons and promotes understanding of diverse community issues. WXXI also has a long-term affiliation with Little Theatre, which helps enhance the cultural life of the community and strengthens two of Rochester’s most vital arts institutions. Log on to www.wxxi.org for more information about our services and programs.

Al Sigl Community of Agencies provides high-quality, cost-effective real estate and business services while fostering community awareness and philanthropic support to non-profit organizations that serve children and adults with disabilities and special needs.

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