About

The Capitol Pressroom is a daily one-hour public radio news magazine broadcast from the heart of the New York’s political hub: The Legislative Correspondents Association Pressroom, on the 3rd floor of the State Capitol in Albany.

Hosted by award-winning broadcast journalist Susan Arbetter, the show features analysis from seasoned political beat reporters who work for newspapers & wire services around the state like the New York Times, Newsday, The Buffalo News, the Albany Times Union, Gannett News Service and the Associated Press.

Each weekday at 11am, the program features one-on-one interviews with newsmakers like Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, businessman Tom Golisano, Minority Leader Brian Kolb.

Just like the reporters who work there, The Capitol Pressroom is fun, intense, compelling, and sharp. Susan Arbetter brings over 15 years of experience as a news correspondent in Albany to the show. Arbetter was a long-time host and former News Director at WAMC Public Radio as well as the former host & producer of PBS’ premiere statewide political show, New York Now, which she developed.

Rotating Features:

“The Bed Fellows” –
Highlights little known relationships between politicians and operatives to offer listeners a greater understanding of how “Albany” works. For example, the host and a political scientist will discuss the long-standing friendship between Pedro Espada and Golisano operative Steve Pigeon.

“The Intersection” (of power & money) –
Examples of how and where money – both public and private dollars – is spent either by state government, or by entities hoping to “do business” with state government. This includes the cash that lobbyists & special interest groups use when donating to political campaigns. Several reform groups have committed their time to this segment include NYPIRG, the League of Women Voters and the Center for Responsive Politics.

“Cracks in the Upstate/Downstate Divide” –
Explores both the real and politically manufactured reasons behind the cultural & geographic differences among New Yorkers.

“Politicians Promoting Literacy!” -
A rotating duo of elected officials from each party (ie; Minority Leader Brian Kolb(R) and Senator Eric Schneiderman(D) will join the owner of The Book House Susan Novatny and the host to discuss a recently released title, “of interest to politicians”. I would like to expand this segment to include political hobbies, films, and other non-political interests that may offer some insight into the personalities of our elected officials.

“The Epic Shellacking” –
Humorous look at political blunders, misstatements, and malapropisms made by Albany’s finest.

About The Host, Susan Arbetter

Susan Arbetter is an award-winning Albany-based State Capitol Correspondent for WCNY Syracuse NPR/PBS. Until September, 2009, Susan hosted & produced the Edward R. Murrow award-winning New York Now, the leading statewide government & public affairs television program in New York. New York Now, which Susan created, airs weekly on every PBS station in New York State, including New York City, Long Island, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, Buffalo, Binghamton, Watertown & Plattsburgh. Prior to making the leap to television in April, 2007, Susan hosted the award-winning Roundtable Show on WAMC Northeast Public Radio.