WMHT Public Media Welcomes Elise Kline as Multimedia Journalist for New York NOW
She brings valuable experience in leading Lilly Broadcasting’s New York State Capitol Bureau, where she covered elected officials, key policymakers, and important state issues since 2022
Albany, NY – WMHT Public Media, a multichannel public communications organization serving Eastern New York and Western New England, today announced the addition of Elise Kline as Multimedia Journalist for New York NOW, its Emmy Award-winning public affairs program that airs on PBS stations across New York state.
Kline comes to WMHT from Lilly Broadcasting, where she led its New York State Capitol Bureau and served as multimedia journalist since 2022. In that role, she covered a host of stories and issues that impact New Yorkers, from extensive reporting on policies related to “period poverty” – access to menstrual products – to the 2022 statewide election, with a focus on the Governor's race.
“Reporting at the state Capitol, covering policies and issues that can have an impact on so many people, has been an incredible experience,” said Kline. “I’ve always loved the power of broadcast reporting in helping the public understand how important decisions lawmakers make in Albany can affect their everyday lives. I am truly honored and excited to start my next reporting adventure with WMHT at New York NOW, which is the go-to program for coverage of New York state government.”
Kline earned her bachelor’s degree in communications and media studies at Emmanuel College in Boston, and her master’s degree in journalism and public affairs at American University in Washington, D.C. There, she reported several long-form stories on protests following the overturn of Roe v. Wade, gun violence, and election security.
“I am ecstatic to welcome Elise Kline to the exceptional team at New York NOW,” said Shantel Destra, Managing Editor and Host of New York NOW. “With proven storytelling capabilities, respected reporting skills, and a passion for covering policy issues that affect New Yorkers, Elise will be a great asset to the show’s impactful coverage and in-depth weekly analysis. All of us at New York NOW are excited to work with Elise and look forward to her bright future ahead.”
“This is an exciting time for New York NOW, WMHT and the communities we serve. As we head into the 50th anniversary of weekly New York state coverage on WMHT, we are acknowledging the importance of local journalism here in New York’s Capital Region,” said Will Pedigo, Chief Content & Engagement Officer of WMHT Public Media. “With the addition of Elise to the New York NOW team, we are poised to elevate our service at a time of vital importance for the civic health of our state. The future is bright for this team and the work Shantel Destra and Elise Kline will accomplish together.”
New York NOW airs Fridays at 7:30 p.m. on WMHT in the Capital Region and throughout the weekend on PBS affiliates across New York. The full schedule can be viewed at nynow.wmht.org/schedule/. New York NOW is also freely available to stream online and via the PBS video app.
Support for New York NOW is provided by New York State AFL-CIO and WNET.