Highlights Archive

Media Is at Risk — Your Voice Still Matters

Last month, I reached out about the growing pressures facing public media. Since then, the situation in Washington has only intensified, and the challenges we face are becoming even clearer.

The future of public media is being debated, and the voices that value and rely on WXXI need to be heard — now more than ever.

We are a trusted source of fact-based journalism, a hub for lifelong learning, and a space where the arts, culture, and civic discourse thrive. We provide essential services to our community—from early childhood education to in-depth local news, from emergency broadcasts to programs that uplift diverse voices. This work is vital, but it cannot continue without public support.

That’s why we need you to speak up.

If WXXI and public media matter to you, take a moment to let your representatives know. Share your story. Tell them why a strong, independent public media system is essential to democracy and to our communities.

📢 Take Action Now: bit.ly/ProtectWXXI

Every message sent, every story shared, and every show of support makes a difference. Decisions made in the coming weeks could impact public media for years to come. Let’s make sure our community’s voice is heard loud and clear.

Thank you for being part of WXXI. Your support and advocacy matter more than ever.

Warm Regards

Chris Hastings
President & CEO
WXXI Public Media

Protect PBS KIDS & Public Media — Your Voice Still Matters

Earlier this month, I reached out about the growing pressures facing public media. Since then, the situation in Washington has only intensified, and the challenges we face are becoming even clearer.

At WXXI, we know that for families, PBS and PBS KIDS are more than just television channels—they are a trusted source of education, inspiration, and learning. Whether it’s Sesame Street helping young children build early literacy skills, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood teaching social-emotional learning, or Carl the Collector celebrating our differences and commonalities, these programs play a vital role in your child’s development.

But here’s something many people don’t realize: PBS and PBS KIDS programs are made available to your family through local public media stations like WXXI. We are the bridge that brings these award-winning programs into local families’ lives – on televisions or tablets, in classrooms and care settings, and in our community.

Now, the future of public media is being debated in Washington, and decisions made in the coming weeks could threaten funding for these essential services. Cuts to federal funding don’t just affect WXXI—they impact your family’s access to high-quality, free educational programming and resources.

That’s why we need you to speak up. If PBS, PBS KIDS, and public media matter to your family, now is the time to act.

📢 Take Action Now: bit.ly/ProtectWXXI

A message from you—can make a difference – whether it’s sharing your family’s experience, telling your representatives why PBS KIDS matters, or spreading the word on social media. Public media has been a trusted resource for generations, and with your support, we can ensure it remains strong for the next generation.

Thank you for being part of the WXXI family. Your voice, your advocacy, and your support mean everything.

Warm Regards

Chris Hastings
President & CEO
WXXI Public Media

Tony Bennett: Viva Duets • WXXI-TV

Tony Bennett performs duets with a celebrated roster of international artists.

Tony Bennett: Viva Duets airs Friday, March 7 at 10:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI app.

Viva Duets presents Tony Bennett’s classic songs with an international flavor, as he performs some of his greatest hits with a celebrated roster of artists, including Marc Anthony, Gloria Estefan, Franco De Vita and Vicente Fernández. Filmed in 2012 during the making of the album, VIVA DUETS features behind-the-scenes tapings of the performances in English and Spanish, with artists representing multiple countries and continents.

Tractor Wars • WXXI-TV

In 1909, hundreds of companies were trying to bring powered implements to America’s farms.

Tractor Wars airs Monday, March 3 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streaming live on the WXXI app.

By the 1920s, Deere, Ford and International were in a battle to develop a reliable tractor that would become part of everyday agriculture.

Prue Leith’s Cotswold Kitchen • WXXI-TV

Restaurateur, cookbook author and judge on The Great British Baking Show, Prue Leith opens the doors to her Cotswold Kitchen.

Prue Leith’s Cotswold Kitchen airs Sunday, March 9 at 12 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streaming on the WXXI app.

Prue shares cherished recipes, tips, and handy culinary hacks in this series. Joined by her husband, John, and a cast of special friends, each episode is a unique culinary adventure as Prue celebrates her personal food heroes and husband John explores a mix of country activities on offer in the Cotswolds.

Please note: This is a 10-episode series. WXXI-TV will air episodes 1 & 2. The remaining eight episodes will be on PBS Passport. To learn more about PBS Passport, click here.

The Marley Brothers: The Legacy Concert • WXXI-TV

Join the reggae legend’s sons for a concert tribute in honor of Bob Marley’s 80th birthday in 2025.

The Marley Brothers: The Legacy Concert airs Saturday, March 1 at 9:30 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streaming on the WXXI app.

Join the reggae legend’s sons for a concert in honor of Bob Marley’s 80th birthday in 2025. Renowned as solo artists, Ziggy, Stephen, Damian, Julian and Ky-mani reunited in 2024 for the first time in 20 years to celebrate his universal impact.

President Donald Trump Address to Congress • WXXI-TV and WXXI News

President Trump will address a joint session of Congress on March 4, the first in his second presidency.

President Donald Trump Address to Congress airs Tuesday, March 4 at 9 p.m. on WXXI- and WXXI News.

Co-anchored by Amna Nawaz and Geoff Bennett, PBS News coverage will include the president’s speech, the Democratic response, and analysis from the PBS News team.

NPR’s Live Special Coverage of Trump’s address will include his speech and the Democratic Party response followed by analysis. Airing on WXXI News and streaming on WXXINews.org.

Independent Lens “Bike Vessel” • WXXI-TV

Father and son bond on an ambitious 350-mile bike ride in this portrait of familial love.

Independent Lens “Bike Vessel” airs Monday, February 24 at 10 p.m. on WXXI-TV.

Knowing his dad miraculously recovered from three open-heart surgeries after discovering a passion for cycling, filmmaker Eric D. Seals proposes an ambitious idea: Bike together from St. Louis to Chicago. 350 miles. 4 days. On their journey, the two push each other as they find a deeper connection and a renewed appreciation of their quests for their own health and to reimagine Black health.

Watch the trailer and learn more about the film.