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WNED PBS Productions

WNED PBS has been Western New York and Southern Ontario’s storyteller for over 60 years!

The station long ago established itself as an originator of television content for PBS; WNED PBS developed and produced the Emmy Award winning Reading Rainbow series and the popular Mark Russell Comedy Specials for PBS. Through the years, WNED PBS has become a significant producer of original television and online content for local and national distribution.

Produced in Buffalo, shared with the nation. Productions broadcast on PBS stations across America include: The Warrior Tradition, The War of 1812, Frederick Law Olmsted: Designing America, The Klondike Gold Rush, The Shaw Festival: Behind the Curtain, Underground Railroad: The William Still Story, Niagara Falls, Chautauqua: An American Narrative, Window to the Sea, The Adirondacks, Golf’s Grand Design, The Marines, America's Houses of Worship, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Buffalo, and Elbert Hubbard: An American Original.

Many WNED PBS productions highlight historic and cultural treasures of Southern Ontario and Western New York. These include: Kleinhans Gift to Buffalo, Reimagining a Buffalo Landmark, Remembering Western New York, Frederick Law Olmsted: Designing Western New York, TIFF: Behind the Festival, A New Season for the Bisons and Blue Jays, Hockey: More Than a Game, Toronto’s Houses of Worship, Polonia: Western New York’s Polish-American Legacy, Buffalo’s Houses of Worship, Buffalo’s Voices of Steel and The Great Erie County Fair.

“WNED has become our region’s most influential storyteller and in so doing served as a catalyst for the re-imagining and rebirth of Buffalo. WNED-TV’s productions are thoroughly researched, beautifully written and artfully shot. In documenting the breadth and depth of the cultural and historic richness of Western New York, WNED-TV has captured the imaginations of audiences both within and outside the region, boosting the community’s self-image and promoting it to potential visitors.”

Edward J. Healy, Vice President for Marketing
Buffalo Niagara Convention and Visitor’s Bureau

Watch Now

USA WHEELCHAIR FOOTBALL Tournament | Now Streaming

USA Wheelchair Football

Wheelchair football athletes from across the country, including the hometown Buffalo Bills Wheelchair Football Team, hit the concrete at a USA Wheelchair Football League (USAWFL) tournament hosted by Greater Buffalo Adaptive Sports on September 30 & October 1 at the Erie Community College North Campus. Buffalo Toronto Public Media took to the sidelines to cover select games from the tournament. Five games featuring the Bills are available on the Buffalo Toronto Public Media YouTube channel.

Kleinhans' Gift to Buffalo | Now Streaming

Kleinhans' Gift To Buffalo 

The story of how a generous gift from Ed and Mary Kleinhans, whose love of music, Buffalo, and each other, led to the building of a world-class concert hall. Hear from historians, musicians, and community members about their connections to the building and learn about how this concert hall and civic auditorium has become a community asset where family is celebrated and memories are made. 

Oasis Under Glass | 3-Part Digital Series | WATCH NOW

Oasis Under Glass | Buffalo's Botanical Gardens

WNED PBS, in collaboration with the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, presents a new three-part digital video series, Oasis Under Glass - Buffalo’s Botanical Gardens. Hosted by Tafik Muhammad, this series tells the story of the Botanical Gardens throughout its history and reveals expansion and renovation plans that will continue to serve the people of Western New York for generations to come.

Buffalo Toronto Public Media YouTube Series 

Let's Go! | New YouTube Series

Let’s Go!, an original series from WNED PBS offers adventure to young, curious learners through behind-the-scenes virtual field trips. Come along with our host Chrisena as she interacts with experts and visits exciting sites throughout Western New York. With Chrisena as your guide, Let’s Go! is perfect for educators, kids ages 7-11, their caregivers, and anyone who loves to explore!

Compact History

Compact History | YouTube Series

Buffalo Toronto Public Media presents Compact History, an original digital series that connects 4-8th grade students to the stories of the past through the social, archeological, or geographic connections they experience today. The episodes will help young people better understand the relevance of historical moments and begin to see themselves as history keepers and makers. 

Sarajane Gomlak Green in front of Niagara Falls

Compact Science | YouTube Series

Compact Science is an engaging new YouTube series from WNED PBS and the Buffalo Museum of Science that explores the wonders of science. Host Sarajane Gomlak Green investigates the geology of Niagara Falls, discovers the chemistry at work in sponge candy, learns how density is the key to lake-effect snow, and more. If you’re curious about the world around you, there’s a lot to explore and Compact Science will be your guide. 

Now We're Gardening LIVE!

Now We’re Gardening LIVE!

Now We’re Gardening LIVE! premiered Saturday, April 6 at 10:30am. Whether you are a gardening beginner or a seasoned pro, this one-hour special will inspire and inform with tips, tricks, and resources to have you “garden-ready” for the season and beyond.

Now We're Cooking LIVE!

Now We’re Cooking!

Now We’re Cooking LIVE! returned for its 4th episode on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 in a revamped, one-hour early afternoon format!

Now We're Creating LIVE!

Now We’re Creating LIVE!

WNED PBS created up a storm with the premiere of Buffalo Toronto Public Media’s new local program, “Now We’re Creating LIVE!” on September 16, 2023.  Five talented artisans demonstrated their craft with projects from 3D printing to painting, to woodworking, stained glass-making and laser engraving.

Shakespeare's Greatest Hits

More WNED PBS Productions

WNED PBS Production Premiered  February 18, 2022

Friday Night Fight! Knock Out COVID

Watch Fight For Good: One Body, One Soul, which presents candid community voices that offer an effective way to respond to unprecedented difficulties encountered in the current COVID-19 and future pandemics. Then stay for a LIVE discussion that encourages viewers to seek accurate vaccine information and find out where to get one.

Susannah

WNED PBS Production Premiered November 22, 2021

Susannah

Buffalo Opera Unlimited and WNED PBS have joined together to present “Susannah,” an opera in two acts, by American composer, Carlisle Floyd. 

PremiereD August 17, 2021 on WNED PBS

WNED PBS documentary airs on PBS stations across the U.S. 

A new PBS program captures the exhilarating and deeply personal story of one of the most significant figures in the abolition of slavery. William Still’s passion for the cause of freedom was so great that when he died in 1902, The New York Times called him “Father of the Underground Railroad.”

Making Buffalo HomeFlavors From Home | Preview

Premiered March 8, 2021

Making Buffalo Home | Flavors From Home

No need for a passport. Just sit in the comfort of your living room and join us as we step into the kitchens and restaurants of immigrants in Western New York to learn a little more about the cultural food traditions of people from around the world. 

Premiered January 11, 2021

Life of Service | A Conversation with Don Boswell

BTPM President and CEO Don Boswell is retiring after 53 years in public broadcasting. Join retired WBFO News Director and host Mark Scott for a conversation about his career.

Premiered December 28, 2020

On Stage with Buffalo Opera Unlimited

Buffalo Opera Unlimited and WNED PBS  joined together to present a multi-part series that brings opera to television.

A Series Showcasing the Very Best of the Munk Debates

The Question Before Us

Series of programs featuring prominent people debating the hot topics of today. Debates were taped before a live audience in Toronto, Canada. 

No CHild

premiereD October 26, 2020

No Child

Written and performed by Nilaja Sun and captured on tape in the studios at the WNED PBS, No Child... is a breathtaking solo show exploring the New York City public school system.

BPO Musician Portraits

A six-part musical showcase of television specials featuring select musicians from the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. These personal concerts are hosted by JoAnn Falletta.

Making Buffalo HomeImmigration in a Welcoming City | Trailer
Making Buffalo Home: Immigration in a Welcoming City | Watch Online Now

Immigration in a Welcoming City

At a time when the country is wrestling with the issue of immigration, the city of Buffalo takes the stance that it is, and will remain, a welcoming place. What policies in government and housing, language access, and economic development are in place to address this issue? This WNED PBS original production hosted by Andrea Ó Súilleabháin, Executive Director at the Partnership for the Public Good, welcomes guests from city government, housing advocacy, academia, and members of the immigrant community for an engaging conversation on the topic. This WNED PBS original production premiered on April 24, 2020.

Making Buffalo Home - A Refugee's First Year | Trailer
1:25
Published:
Making Buffalo Home: A Refugee's First Year | Watch Online Now

A Refugee's First Year

In the last 20 years Buffalo has welcomed more than 16,000 refugees. They come from around the world, with large groups from Middle Eastern, Asian and African countries. Discover the challenges they face in the first year like learning English, finding a job, and feeling a sense of community as they work toward rebuilding their lives and making Buffalo their new home. This WNED PBS original production premiered on January 20, 2020.

Trailer | The Warrior Tradition
2:17
Published:
The Warrior Tradition | Watch Online Now

The Warrior Tradition

The astonishing, heartbreaking, inspiring, and largely-untold story of Native Americans in the United States military. This WNED PBS original production premiered on PBS November 11, 2019.

Trailer | Cruising the Mighty Mississippi
Trailer | Cruising the Mighty Mississippi
1:19
Published:
Cruising The Mighty Mississippi | Watch Online Now

Cruising The Mighty Mississippi

Cruising the Mighty Mississippi takes viewers along for an unforgettable trip aboard the largest paddle-wheeler ever built from Memphis to New Orleans, stopping at many charming and historic southern towns along the way. This WNED PBS original production premiered in October 2019.

Digital-First Productions

A Buffalo Toronto Public Media Digital Project

Making Buffalo Home

An, in-depth Buffalo Toronto Public Media engagement initiative to raise awareness of how immigrants and refugees shape our community.

A WNED PBS Digital Project

Reach Out | Recognize Relationship Abuse

One in three teenagers will experience some form of abuse in their relationships.Get the tools to start a conversation with someone you think might be in an abusive relationship.

Our Vietnam Voices

A Buffalo Toronto Public Media Digital Project

Our Vietnam Voices

In the decades since the end of the Vietnam War, the conflict continues to be discussed and debated as to its impact then and now. In order to showcase stories from our region.

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Buffalo Toronto Public Media

WNED PBS Celebrates Maple Season

As the temperatures warm up, maple syrup farmers across our region are hard at work. 

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Explore Programs in our Production Library

WNED PBS HIstory

WNED PBS is an award-winning producer of historical programs that shine a spotlight on Western New York & S. Ontario's people, treasures and extraordinary moments in history.

WNED PBS Documentaries

WNED PBS's documentary films profile individuals and events from the past and present that have impacted Western New York and Southern Ontario.

WNED PBS Health & Wellness

WNED PBS's health and wellness programs empower viewers to take charge of their persona health and wellness and take preventative measures against disease.

Watch the very best short series and specials made right here at WNED PBS. Building on our mission to “educate, entertain and inform” these highlight unique aspects of our region.

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Remembering Mark Russell

Mark Russell's America
56:12
Published:

Re-discover highlights of Mark Russell’s more than 100 national PBS specials.

WATCH: Mark Russell
1 / 4 Videos
Mark Russell's America
WNED PBS Specials
Mark Russell's America
Mark Russell | Political Satarist
Buffalo Toronto Public Media
Mark Russell | Political Satarist
Mark Russell Comedy Specials
Buffalo Toronto Public Media
Mark Russell Comedy Specials
Political satirist Mark Russell dies at 90
PBS NewsHour
Political satirist Mark Russell dies at 90

No one in power was immune from the one-liners and musical numbers of Mr. Mark Russell. For almost 30 years, starting in the Eisenhower administration, Buffalo's own Mr. Russell shared his insights on politics and society in more than 100 PBS specials produced by WNED PBS. Mr. Russell died in his Washington, D.C. home at 90. Thank you, Mark, for decades of laughs.

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Production Facilities Rental

The same facilities, equipment and personnel that have created WNED PBS’s award-winning content are available to media professionals to realize their next production vision.

Interested in a DVD of one of
our local productions?
Please contact Membership at
1-800-678-1873 for availability.


WNED PBS

Foundation Support and Production Funding

Learn about currentproductions and initiatives in development. programs in need of funding.

Look back at some of the history of WNED-TV and The Mark Russell Comedy Specials, a WNED PBS production that aired on PBS from 1975-2004.