Local legacy continues to highlight community events and news

Ann Parillo’s “Capital Region Today” remains one of the few open platforms for everyday voices

SCHENECTADY— To know “Capital Region Today” host Ann Parillo is to know dedication. She has been running the community show for 27 years with a crew of volunteers. Parillo alone plans and interview the guests, markets the show, and updates the website and social media – wearing many hats to bring news and interesting stories to the public.

“I have roughly eight volunteers that have been with me. I mean, I’ve had volunteers for 27 years. I’ve never wanted for a volunteer. I call it my TV family. People just love doing it,” she said.

Launched Sept. 14, 1998, the program has become a cornerstone of community storytelling throughout the Capital Region. From nonprofit leaders and local artists to small business owners, students, caregivers, and civic organizers, “Capital Region Today” provides a platform for people and organizations who rarely get mainstream attention.

The diverse program has featured nearly everything from llamas and puppies to nonprofit organizations and mayoral forums. Everyone is welcome to the show – if you want to be featured on “Capital Region Today” all you have to do is contact Parillo!

“There’s no plan. I gravitate to who’s available and what’s coming up. I have contacted people, and they ask, ‘How much is it?’ But there’s no charge — we’re just trying to promote community events,” Parillo said.

She once contacted David Kaczynski, Ted Kaczynski’s brother, and did a half hour segment on her show. “It was really amazing. He told the entire story of how they figured out [the Unabomber] was his brother.”

The show recently surpassed its 1,200th episode, continuing to serve as one of the longest-running local public access talk shows in upstate New York. For the last 15 years, Open Stage Media has been at the helm to edit, produce, and air the programming.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the weekly show shifted to biweekly. Navigating new connections has been challenging, but Parillo keeps chugging along.

“I trust my instincts and just do it. If I had to lament over every little bump in the road, I’d never get anything done,” she said.

“Capital Region Today” airs new episodes every other Wednesday! You can find Parillo’s show on local public access channels and streaming on the Open Stage Media app, which is available on Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.