WVIA, New look and Big Vision: Public Phase of Capital Campaign

WVIA opens doors to reimagined headquarters and invites community to build the future of public media.

On Wednesday evening, WVIA hosted a historic celebration at its newly renovated headquarters in Pittston, Pennsylvania, proudly marking a major milestone in the station’s history and publicly launching a $10 million Building the Future capital and programming campaign.

The private ribbon-cutting event welcomed early campaign investors, committee members, and special friends of WVIA for an elegant evening of champagne toasts and behind-the-scenes tours of the modernized facility. Guests were among the first to experience the magic of the fully reimagined station, now equipped to serve future generations with public media services in  Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania.

The celebration also marked the official start of the public phase for WVIA’s Building the Future campaign that will shape the future of WVIA. The campaign, which has operated quietly until now, has already secured strong early support with over $7.26 million raised from private, regional, and state funding toward the $10 million goal. The campaign empowers further innovation and growth in four key areas of service: Education, Journalism, Arts & Culture, and Local Content & Storytelling.

WVIA was awarded a total of $3 million in grants from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) of Pennsylvania for the building revitalization.  In addition, WVIA received a $225,000 grant from The Pennsylvania Local Share Account (LSA) program sponsored by Jenkins Township.  WVIA is grateful for the unwavering support from Governor Josh Shapiro, Senator Marty Flynn and Representative Jim Haddock as well as from the Jenkins Township Board of Supervisors.

“We are grateful to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for selecting WVIA and to Jenkins Township for sponsoring WVIA as recipients of these grant programs.  Through public and private funding collaborations, we are truly building a public media service that will empower this region with unparalleled and trusted media content for generations to come” said Carla McCabe, WVIA President & CEO.

“For nearly 60 years, WVIA has been a trusted voice and vital resource for our region. This renovation reflects not just a physical transformation, but a renewed commitment to serving our community in deeper, more impactful ways,” said McCabe. “Thanks to our generous early investors, we now enter the public phase of this campaign with great momentum and vision for the future.”

The redesigned headquarters is tailored to the evolving demands of modern media and is better equipped to meet the changing needs of our region—offering enhanced studio spaces, flexible production environments, and state-of-the-art technology that will allow WVIA to respond more quickly, creatively, and effectively to the issues, stories, and educational needs that matter most to the communities we serve.

“WVIA is a community gem, a gift from generations that came before us, and our responsibility is to protect and nurture it for the benefit of future generations.  Our generous campaign lead investors believe in WVIA’s value and essential services.  An investment in this campaign is an investment in our community.  We are now excited to invite individuals throughout our region to stand with us by investing in our bright future” said Kate Sickora, Chief Development Officer.

With the public launch now underway, WVIA invites community members, businesses, and philanthropic partners to join in shaping the next chapter of public media services in Pennsylvania. For more information or to donate to the campaign, visit the official website page here.

WVIA Nominated for Nine Mid-Atlantic Emmy’s

August 7, 2025 – WVIA is thrilled to announce it has been honored with nine nominations for the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards, including the prestigious nomination for Overall Excellence. This station-wide recognition underscores WVIA’s ongoing dedication to crafting high-quality, impactful programming that captivates and inspires viewers and preserves the stories that have shaped our region.

The Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards celebrate excellence in television production across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and parts of Ohio and West Virginia. This year, WVIA’s nominations span a diverse array of categories, highlighting the dedication to storytelling, journalism, and community engagement.

“At WVIA, storytelling is at the heart of everything we do,” said Carla McCabe, President & CEO of WVIA. “Being nominated for the Overall Excellence award is an extraordinary honor. It speaks to the passion and purpose that drive our entire team. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their creativity and dedication recognized in this way. These nominations are more than accolades—they’re a reflection of our mission to serve the community with programming that informs, connects, and inspires—for years to come.”

WVIA’s nine nominations are as follows:

Overall Excellence
WVIA – Carla McCabe, President & CEO, WVIA

Health/Medical News
Keystone Edition Health: She Beat Cancer – Tim Novotney, Director/Camera/Editor

Sports – One Time Special

The Forgotten Dynasty: Scranton Eagles – Ben Payavis, Producer/Director; John Mikulak, Director of Photography; Ron Andruscavage, Audio/Drone/Camera

Historical/Cultural- Short Film
VIA Short Takes: The Secret Beneath Hazleton – Tim Novotney, Director/Camera/Editor

Entertainment-Long Form Content
The Story of Palma: A Musical Fable – Ben Payavis, Director/Editor; Larry Vojtko, Associate Producer/Score Reader; Erika Funke, Associate Producer; George Graham, Audio Producer/Mix; Lisa Mazzarella, Narrator/Associate Producer; Ron Andruscavage, Production Manager

Human Interest – Long Form Content
2024 Little League Challenger Exhibition – Ben Payavis, Producer; Ken Sawyer, Play-By-Play Announcer; Tom Speicher, Color Commentator

Magazine Program

NEPA @ Work -Alexander Monelli, Director/Camera/Editor

VIA Short Takes #503 – Ben Payavis, Executive Producer; Alexander Monelli, Cinematographer/Editor/Director; Tim Novotney, Cinematographer/Editor/Director; John Alaimo, Producer/Director/Editor

News/Program Promotion/PSA – Single Spot

NEPA @ Work Trailer – Alexander Monelli, Director/Camera/Editor

WVIA was nominated in categories such as short films, human interest, long-form content, and technical achievements, underscoring the broad range of expertise and creativity within the content team.

“At WVIA, we believe that storytelling has the power to connect and strengthen our region,” said Ben Payavis II, Chief Content Officer. “These nominations recognize our ongoing commitment to serving as a trusted voice—bringing to light the stories that matter most to our communities and preserving the rich heritage that defines us.”

The winners of the Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards will be announced at a gala event on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Marriott Downtown Philadelphia.

Read the full list of nominees here.

WVIA Launches Kickstarter Campaign for New Documentary

WVIA is proud to announce production of a powerful new documentary that uncovers one of Hazleton’s most compelling and little-known stories: the underground mine tunnels that helped build the region and shaped its identity.

To bring this important project to life, WVIA has launched a Kickstarter campaign and is offering two exclusive sponsorship opportunities designed specifically for local businesses that want to play a role in preserving Hazleton’s rich mining heritage.

Business Backer Tiers

🎬 $5,000 – Business Backer Plus
Businesses that support at this premium level will receive:

  • A 15-second underwriting announcement at the beginning and end of the film (broadcast and digital)
  • Special recognition in the film’s credits as a Kickstarter Business Backer
  • Recognition in promotional materials related to the film’s premiere
  • Tickets to a local screening event
  • All rewards from lower tiers
    *Note: Announcements must comply with PBS underwriting guidelines

💼 $2,000 – Business Backer
At this level, businesses will receive:

  • Special mention in the film credits as a Kickstarter Business Backer
  • A custom-designed “Business Backer” banner to proudly display
  • Recognition in promotional materials for the film’s premiere
  • Tickets to a local screening event
  • All rewards from lower tiers

This is a meaningful and visible way for businesses to support local storytelling and align with a legacy project that will educate and inspire for generations. For more details visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wvia/the-secrets-beneath-hazleton

WVIA Launches Crowdfunding Campaign to Uncover Hazleton’s Underground Secrets

New Documentary – The Secrets Beneath Hazleton: Digging Deeper – aims to reveal hidden tunnels, a Prohibition-era speakeasy, and a forgotten chapter of American history— all hiding beneath the streets of Hazleton, PA.

WVIA’s Emmy Award-winning production team is proud to present its latest original documentary film, The Secrets Beneath Hazleton: Digging Deeper. To bring this expanded story to life, WVIA has launched a Kickstarter campaign inviting public support.

Building on the viral success of the original VIA Short Take, The Secret Beneath Hazleton—which garnered over 2 million views and ignited widespread engagement across social media—this 30-minute documentary will unearth the astonishing, long-buried stories of Hazleton’s mysterious underground world.

Beneath the quiet streets of Hazleton lies a hidden network of tunnels, sealed mine shafts, and secret passageways— remnants of a city shaped by coal, immigration, and industrial might.

WVIA’s new documentary will venture into previously unexplored territory, including private home tunnels, underground banking corridors, and a mysterious speakeasy said to have been sealed for over 75 years.

“This is more than just a story about Hazleton,” said Carla McCabe, President & CEO of WVIA. “It’s a story about the history Hazleton has buried— literally. It’s about the people of Hazleton that worked underground, and the people that have been living above this underground city, some unknowingly, for decades. This film will bring history to light before it’s lost forever.”

A Deeper Dive into Hidden History

The Kickstarter campaign seeks to fund the next phase of this groundbreaking project, allowing filmmakers, historians, and urban explorers to:

  • Document the secret tunnels built from private residences that lead into Hazleton’s vast mine network.
  • Investigate a rumored speakeasy believed to be accessible only through underground bank vaults.
  • Interview local experts and dig into newly uncovered mine maps and archives.
  • Preserve these locations with high-definition film and photography before they succumb to development or decay.

This is not just a documentary—it’s a rescue mission for Hazleton’s hidden past.

Why Now?

Many of the underground structures identified in the first film are already at risk of permanent collapse or demolition. As interest grows and new leads surface, the WVIA team believes this is a critical window of opportunity to preserve these stories for future generations through a new full-length documentary.

“There are places under Hazleton no one has entered in decades,” said the film’s producer, Tim Novotney. “And once they’re gone, they’re gone. This film is our chance to capture that lost world so the masses can see it.”

WVIA invites the public to become part of this journey by contributing to the Kickstarter campaign, which will fund equipment, research, expert interviews, and post-production for the full-length documentary.

Back the Project, Preserve History

Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform for creative projects. Everything from films, games, and music to art, design, and technology. Kickstarter is full of ambitious, innovative, and imaginative ideas that are brought to life through the direct support of others.

To learn more and support The Secrets Beneath Hazleton: Digging Deeper, visit the Kickstarter page here.

The Chamber Board Advocates for WVIA’s Impact

As you are certainly aware, the White House formally asked Congress to rescind federal funding appropriated for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). This effort would zero out funds already approved by Congress to fund CPB (and NPR and PBS) over the next two years.

This is significant to all of us in northeastern Pennsylvania as our public broadcasting station, WVIA, receives approximately $1.2 million in critical federal funding from CPB each year—roughly 20% of its overall budget.

If this funding is cut, WVIA could be forced to immediately reduce or eliminate important television and radio programs and resources, and emergency broadcasting services. Perhaps most notable, they would have to re-examine the allocation of resources currently invested in local news.

Over the past few years, WVIA has grown its new division in both mediums—providing a valuable additional local perspective on issues and topics of interest to our communities. Further, WVIA long-form news programming allows the station to drill deeper on many subjects of local import, serving the public in both civic and economic realms.

WVIA has delivered relevant, in-depth programing for nearly 60 years, including award-winning locally produced documentaries, performances, news and public affairs programs across TV, radio, and digital platforms.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, we ask you to reject this proposed action, and send a signal of your support of WVIA—an invaluable regional asset.

WVIA President & CEO Urges Support to Keep Local News Funded

WVIA’s President & CEO, Carla McCabe has released the following statement.

Yesterday the White House formally asked Congress to rescind federal funding that had already been appropriated for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). 

This effort would zero out any funds that have already been approved by Congress to fund CPB (and NPR and PBS) over the next two years, approximately $1.1 billion. 

On the surface, this reads like a national issue with no clear impact on our region. But let me be clear: the consequences will hit home—right here, in our communities. Currently, WVIA receives approximately $1.2 million in critical federal funding from CPB each year – roughly 20% of our overall budget. 

If this funding is cut, local stations like WVIA could be forced to immediately reduce—or eliminate—the trusted local news, educational programs and resources, tv and radio programs, and emergency broadcasting services you rely on.

Congress now has 45 days to vote on the rescission request but we anticipate that the House may bring it to a vote as early as next week. So what can you do right now to help?

Call and email your congressional representatives today and urge them to oppose efforts to rescind federal funding for public media. 

Your voice matters to your lawmakers, which is why it’s important for you to take action now to protect public media.

Eliminating federal funding for public broadcasting would have a devastating impact on local stations, the communities that depend on them, and the public media system as a whole. We don’t know what the specific ramifications of this would be on WVIA but we do know that we must stop it from happening now.

Through your continued support, WVIA has delivered relevant, balanced and in-depth programing for nearly 60 years, including award-winning locally produced documentaries, performances, news and public affairs programs across TV, radio and digital platforms.

Thank you for believing in the value that local public media brings to our community and empowering us to serve you every day — no matter the challenges ahead.

Remember, these are your stories. This is your community. And WVIA is where it all comes together. 

Public media is for all of us. Let’s continue to fight for it together.

Best,

Carla McCabe

President & CEO, WVIA

WVIA, Lehigh & Luzerne County Airports Receive Funding for Upgrades

The Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport (AVP) will expand its terminal and modernize the TSA screening area with a $6.2 million state grant.

The upgrades will improve passenger flow and enhance security operations, according to State Sen. Marty Flynn’s office. The grant will also help support the continued growth of the airport.

The Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) received $1.5 million to construct a parking structure to enhance terminal commercial development.

The projects are financed through the state Capital Budget’s Aviation Transportation Assistance Program.

WVIA, Wilkes-Barre Challenger Team Live at Little League World Series

For the 14th consecutive year, WVIA will bring the spirit of inclusion and community to audiences nationwide by broadcasting and streaming the 2025 Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game, presented by Eggland’s Best. The game will take place on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. ET, at the iconic Volunteer Stadium in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

A Local Connection:

This year’s game holds special significance for WVIA and the communities it serves, as the local Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball Little League team from Wilkes-Barre will take the field in Williamsport. Over the past six years, the Wyoming Valley program has experienced an extraordinary resurgence. Once facing challenges like a lack of a home field, dwindling player numbers, and limited funding, the league turned its fortunes around after the City of Wilkes-Barre offered a 25-year lease on a field for just $1 per year. This act of generosity sparked a wave of local support and donations, allowing the league to grow into a thriving program serving 130 players across Districts 16 and 31.

“The community came together in a remarkable way to lift up this program and its players,” said Carla McCabe, WVIA President & CEO. “We’re honored to help showcase the spirit and determination of the Wyoming Valley Challenger team—and all Challenger players across the country—on a national stage.”

The Most Heartwarming Game of the Year:

The Challenger Exhibition Game has been a beloved tradition since 2001, giving children with physical and intellectual challenges the chance to enjoy the game of baseball at the iconic Little League World Series. This year’s event will also highlight the achievements of the Woburn Little League Challenger Division of Woburn, Massachusetts, which is proudly celebrating its 30th anniversary. With nearly 50 players and an active group of “Buddies” from across the community, Woburn’s Challenger Division plays weekly games at Weafer Park and ends its season with a championship celebration and cookout for families and friends.

Ways to Watch:

WVIA will produce a full television broadcast of the game and stream it live on WVIA-TV, on wvia.org and on the WVIA PBS app. The broadcast will also be available on-demand for viewers to enjoy after the live event and will be made available to PBS stations across the country. Contact your local PBS Station regarding carriage in your area. The game will also be available on the ESPN app under the “watch” option.

For more information about the Challenger Division and this year’s participants, visit LittleLeague.org.