WXXI Will Shift Connections to One-Hour Daily Format

The local talk show will reduce its runtime starting October 5 to focus on digital growth and original reporting.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Television

WXXI Will Shift Connections to One-Hour Daily Format

Live Poll

Do you prefer listening to local talk shows on the radio or via digital podcasts?

Beginning October 5, 2026, the Rochester-based talk show Connections will move to a one-hour daily format at noon. The transition follows the station's loss of federal funding in 2025 and seeks to align with modern media consumption habits.

Why it matters

The reduction from two hours to one allows WXXI to prioritize original reporting and audience expansion across digital channels. This strategic adjustment responds to the financial pressures of decreased federal support and evolving viewer preferences.

Connections is shifting to a one-hour daily duration, down from the previous two-hour runtime. This programming change accompanies other scheduling updates, including The World moving to a 7 p.m. time slot.

The players

WXXI

This public broadcasting organization provides radio and television content to Rochester and the surrounding Finger Lakes region.

Evan Dawson

He has served as the host of the talk program Connections since early 2014.

The details

The program, which features host Evan Dawson, will implement this daily noon schedule as it simultaneously launches a weekly television presentation on WXXI-TV. To compensate for the reduced radio time, the network plans to grow its footprint through increased presence on YouTube and various social media platforms.

Evan Dawson began hosting the program in 2014.
Federal funding for the station ceased in 2025.
The new one-hour format will begin on October 5, 2026.
A weekly television version of the show launches on October 11, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

Public media stations are increasingly pivoting toward digital-first distribution strategies to offset the loss of federal funding. This trend reflects a broader shift in the broadcast landscape as legacy networks reduce airtime to prioritize more agile, online-focused content production.

Listeners will find the show airing in a shorter, one-hour live noon broadcast starting October 5. Those seeking more content can access the program via digital platforms including YouTube and social media or watch the new weekly television presentation beginning October 11.

The takeaway

The move to a shorter daily format highlights the ongoing efforts of public media to adapt their programming models in an era of constrained resources. Audiences can expect a continued focus on core content delivered across a wider variety of digital touchpoints.