As Western New Yorkers dug out of the blizzard in late December, a sprinkler system pipe burst on the top floor of the Buffalo Toronto Public Media building – water rained through every floor. The volume of water was about 30,000 gallons – enough water to fill up an average in-ground swimming pool. Several of our essential staff braved un-cleared roads to get to the building and worked to keep the damage under control. For days, staff members had to stay in the building 24/7 to ensure the building’s protection.

Through it all, we continue to be here for you! Please be our partner and show your commitment now with your donation. All of our radio and TV stations remained on the air and in service to our listeners and viewers. We’re thankful that no one was hurt, and the damaged equipment and furniture can be fixed or replaced... but not without cost. Crews have spent recent months removing all the damaged building materials, desks, computers, and broadcast equipment as we await word on the final replacement cost and restoration timeline. We’re still calculating the damage, but it is in the millions.

Our teams of journalists, engineers, and other essential staff members are working in makeshift workspaces to keep Buffalo Toronto Public Media on the air. Despite the challenges and disruption over the past few months, we have:  

• Hosted a free community screening event to bring awareness of the overdose epidemic in our region and beyond, complete with a NARCAN demonstration & discussion 
• Presented a grand unveiling of the new BTPM Performance Space in the WNED Classical wing of the building, which included tours of the building and a live performance 
• Organized and executed the WNED PBS winter pledge drive – which included a full week of “Music That Moves You” programming  
• Produced and broadcast two episodes of new local series, “Now We’re Cooking LIVE!”
• Organized and executed both spring radio pledge drives
• Continued facilitating in-person interviews with community members for “Buffalo, What’s Next?” on WBFO  

In spite of the destruction, our staff has worked very hard to provide you with the same level of quality that you expect to receive from your public broadcasting stations.

Needless to say, it was a tough year for Western New York. In the wake of tragedy, we find ourselves very fortunate for incredible members and supporters like you. We are ready to build back better than ever, and we appreciate any support you’re able to give along the way. It will take some time; however, we are a reflection of the communities we serve – and we are resilient.

We intend to keep our members and supporters up-to-date on the reconstruction progress. We understand how important your public media stations are to you, and you deserve to stay informed throughout the process! We thank you again for your unwavering support!

Does Buffalo Toronto Public Media have insurance to cover the costs of repairs from the water damage?

Yes, the organization does have insurance, and the claim is still in the process of being evaluated by our insurance company.  However, we anticipate that there will be other costs that the organization will be required to absorb.

Are we able to work from our building?

Luckily, the water damage was contained to one portion of the building, but this portion of the building can’t currently be used.  This includes most of the WBFO Newsroom, with the exception of the main recording studios, offices and workspaces for our Development and Corporate Support staff, and some meeting space.  Staff in the affected areas have been relocated to other areas of the building, and some unaffected areas are now being used as staging areas for files and equipment that had to be temporarily moved during demolition.  Our staff has been incredibly patient working in their temporary spaces, and we are eager to get them back into their permanent spaces as soon as possible.

How long will the re-building take?

Due to supply chain delays and availability of contractors, it could take until at least the end of the calendar year to repair all of the damaged areas of the building.