Making a Difference

WNED | WBFO Buffalo-Toronto is launching a new multimedia initiative that recognizes area citizens who are

contributing to the betterment of Western New York.

"Making a Difference" will spotlight individuals who are going above and beyond to make Western New York a better place to live and encouraging others to follow their lead.

An Actor in Repertory Theatre

By Ric Reid, Shaw Festival ensemble member

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An actor in “rep” is a busy one. We rehearse two shows, often simultaneously, along with additional understudy responsibilities. The rehearsal period is, consequently, a longer duration of time but usually contains the same amount of rehearsal hours as would be allotted in the usual single show rehearsal period. However, there is a great advantage to this rep schedule. Although the hours of rehearsal are the same, the time to question, argue, invent, and have “pennies drop” is spread over a length of time which allows a much greater gestation period. This is a wonderful thing. The disadvantage is that we lose track of day and night, days of the week, and family. Only last week my six year old – sorry eight year old, Kevin – pardon Kalan – said that he wanted proof of paternity.

1812 on the Niagara Frontier Celebrates Local History

By Andy Grant, WNED-TV producer

Canada and the United States are young countries. Our histories are measured in hundreds of years, not thousands. We are not surrounding by the ruins of the past like many of the great European cities. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t history all around us.

Producing Mark Russell’s America

By Lynne Bader, WNED senior producer

The Mark Russell Comedy Specials began with a pilot in 1974, when public television was really in its infancy – taking risks and offering programs you couldn’t find anywhere else. He is truly one of the original faces of PBS. I have known Mark a long time and had the pleasure of directing the last few seasons of his programs. It was an honor to produce this special.

Producing “Mark Russell’s America” was like taking political science all over again, only this time, I laughed the whole way through.

Factoid Friday: This is My Town

By Annmarie Dean

WNED-TV’s series “Our Town” is something really special.  The video scrapbook series records the people, places and happenings in different communities in Western New York and Southern Ontario.  Passionate residents volunteer to film footage and provide narration.  Past featured towns include: Jamestown, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ellicottville, Dunkirk/Fredonia, Brantford, Clarence and many more.

Our Own Little Prop-House

By Annmarie Dean

I recently spoke to a group of college students at my alma mater and when I told them I work for WNED, only a few of them knew what I was talking about. After asking if any of them watched Sesame Street or Reading Rainbow as kids, they all instantly remembered their beloved Channel 17. I’d have to wager that we are pretty well-known for our productions and a very important component of these productions are the integral pieces that are stored in a room off of our two studios.

Now That’s the Life! (Fine Dining in Toronto)

by Suzanne Kashuba

Did you ever wonder what a world-class chef goes through to prepare a signature dish – the specialized ingredients, the honed techniques, the passion for flavors and cooking?

There are few pleasures I enjoy more than a special meal in an elegant setting, but rarely did I consider all that goes on behind-the-scenes in the kitchen -- until I saw a sneak preview of WNED’s upcoming food and culinary special, “Chefs of Toronto.”

WNED Is Strong As Steel

By Annmarie Dean


Well, it looks like it’s award season here at WNED. Don’t worry, we aren’t prancing around in tuxedos and designer dresses (sigh), but we are super excited to share these honors with you! As Suzanne Kashuba mentioned last week, our AM 970 News team won some pretty distinctive AP Awards and now it’s WNED-TV’s turn.