Many of the key
decisions and happenings that affect the lives of Central New
Yorkers take place many miles away in the state capital. Not
only do the wheels of New York government turn in Albany, but
many groups hoping to gain the ear of public officials focus
their efforts there as well. WAER News wants you to
have an ear on Albany to get word of government actions when
they occur and the latest on issues that will have an impact
statewide. That's why Morning Edition includes
feature-length reports from the Capital Bureau.
As
WAER
listeners, you're familiar with the wide range of reports from
Karen Dewitt, who has headed the bureau since 1991. She often
has several stories in the works in order to keep up with the
demands of producing one in-depth report each weekday.
The Capital
Bureau is the brainchild of radio station WXXI in
Rochester. The station's current news director, Gary Walker,
was the first bureau chief when the office opened in 1989.
Walker says the station felt there was a lack of news coming
out of Albany.
"Albany is where
people's taxes, welfare, and laws are made for the
state." Walker also said at the time he felt the coverage
of state news in Rochester newspapers was "sometimes a
week late or superficial." The idea helped fulfill a
desire WXXI had, along with four other public radio stations,
that "public broadcasting should have a voice out of
Albany," Walker said. He feels there is a responsibility
these stations have to cover public affairs in an in-depth,
critical way.
Walker notes the
network, which now includes seven stations, has made a name
for itself among the Albany crowd. He said lawmakers know
their comments and positions will make it back to their home
districts.
Other public radio
stations and organizations agree the Capital Bureau
is important and help share the cost. The reporter's salary,
the cost of equipment to cover the news, and the fees for
satellite uplink time have been underwritten this year by the
Freedom Forum and the National Education Association.
The WAER News staff
remains dedicated to continue bringing you the capital
correspondent reports. They provide us with coverage of many
stories that have a direct connection with and impact on you, our
listeners. The Capital Bureau and
correspondent Karen Dewitt give you, the audience and members of
public radio, an ear on Albany. Many issues and news stories that
reach out to Central New York originate in the state capital.
After all, it's the hub of state government and the last word on
the destiny of many of your tax dollars -- always an important
news item. The reports are a regular part of Morning
Edition each weekday.
