About New York NOW
New York NOW is the state's Emmy-winning, in-depth public affairs program, featuring news, interviews and analysis from the Capitol.
Each week, 'New York NOW' invites politicians, civil servants, journalists and others to the program, taking you beyond the headlines to deepen your understanding of the issues and debates that matter most to Empire State residents. Our coverage has won three awards in recent years, including an Emmy and "Best Public Affairs Program" and "Best Locally Produced Television Show" from the New York State Broadcasters Association.
Produced by WMHT in collaboration with The Times Union, 'New York NOW' can be seen and heard on a number of New York public television and public radio stations; click here to find a 'New York NOW' broadcast in your area.
'New York NOW' is also available for online viewing here and as a weekly podcast here.
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Meet Managing Editor and Host Shantel Destra
Shantel Destra is the Managing Editor and Host for the Emmy Award-winning public affairs program New York NOW, which airs on PBS stations across New York state.
Most recently, Destra worked as a reporter for City & State, where she covered national politics and public policy issues that affect New York. During the 2022 midterm election season, she did extensive reporting on competitive New York state Senate and Assembly races. She also covered New York-based congressional elections, including their collective role in determining control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Destra earned her master’s degree at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, where she covered the national politics beat and reported long-form stories on the Biden administration, Congress, and policy issues ranging from gun violence to housing and education. She also served as co-president of the Columbia chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists.
A native of Brooklyn, Destra earned a dual bachelor’s degree in magazine journalism and marketing management from the S.I. Newhouse and Whitman Schools at Syracuse University. She has previous reporting experience with THE CITY and Politico’s Summer Journalism Institute.