WCNY TV Syracuse NY

WCNY was launched in 1965 and chartered by the New York State Department of Education as the Public Broadcasting Council of Central New York. WCNY is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization, and a member-supported affiliate of the Public Broadcasting Service.

WCNY was originally known as “The Education Station,” but has dramatically expanded its services throughout 19 counties over the past 50 years. What was once a single broadcast television channel has grown to include four digital channels, including a cable-only station. WCNY, Create, WORLD and PBS KIDS channels are available to more than 1.8 million people over-the-air or via cable, fiber, and satellite services.

At the same time, WCNY-FM has grown from a single classical music station to three digital stations. In addition to Classic FM, WCNY broadcasts Community FM, highlighting local people and local perspectives, as well as jazz and oldies on its HD stations. All three stations are also available for online streaming. Classic FM remains one of the nation’s few remaining locally programmed classical music stations, with expert hosts making all music programming decisions. Classic FM is also an NPR affiliate, offering hourly news broadcasts.