Finding Common Ground: A New Show Aims to Bridge America's Divide
In a time when America feels more divided than ever, a new TV show is stepping up to encourage meaningful conversations. "Balancing Act with John Katko" is a weekly series that aims to bring people together, despite their differences.
A Host with a Bipartisan Reputation
The show is hosted by John Katko, a former Republican congressman who represented Central New York. He's known for his ability to work across the aisle, even voting to impeach former President Donald Trump after the January 6th Capitol riot.
Airing and Reach
- Airs: Fridays at 9 p.m. on WCNY (local PBS station)
- National Distribution: WORLD channel
- Reach: Over 80% of U.S. television viewers
Focus and Mission
The series focuses on exploring solutions to the issues currently dividing the nation. By bringing in national voices, including some of Katko's former congressional colleagues, the show facilitates serious discussions that often get overlooked or misrepresented in other media outlets.
Central New York: A Microcosm of America
Central New York, where the show is produced, is a unique place to tackle these conversations. The region is a mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas, with a diverse range of political views. During the 2024 presidential election, the votes in the counties stretching from the Finger Lakes to the Thousand Islands were almost equally split between Republican and Democratic candidates. This makes it a perfect microcosm of America, where people from different backgrounds can come together to find common ground.
Notable Guests and Insights
One of the show's early guests, former House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, highlighted the importance of seeking the "right answer" rather than just the Republican or Democratic answer. This sentiment echoes President John F. Kennedy's famous words and is at the heart of what "Balancing Act" aims to achieve. The show is not just about discussing political issues but also about making compromise cool again.
Public Media's Broader Effort
"Balancing Act" is part of a broader effort by public media stations to adapt to changing times. With reduced funding and staff, these stations are finding innovative ways to engage with audiences and foster civil discourse. The show is built on research that suggests Americans are less divided than they think, and by embracing different perspectives, it strives to put the public back in public media.