News
August 14, 2023WMHT Public Media Welcomes Shantel Destra as Multimedia Journalist for New York NOW
WMHT Public Media, a multichannel public communications organization serving Eastern New York and Western New England, today announced the addition of Shantel Destra as Multimedia Journalist for its 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.
“I am thrilled to join the award-winning team at New York NOW, which excels in going beyond the headlines to provide deep analysis of important issues that impact New Yorkers,” said Destra. “I take seriously the responsibility to provide thorough and accurate reporting that enriches the public dialogue, and am excited to utilize WMHT’s unique voice to connect with avid followers of public policy and government at all levels.”
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.
“We are delighted to welcome Shantel Destra to WMHT and the outstanding team at New York NOW,” said Will Pedigo, Chief Content & Engagement Officer of WMHT Public Media. “Shantel’s passion for covering government, politics and public policy, combined with her strong news judgment and commitment to excellence, will be valuable assets in keeping our audiences informed and communities engaged with the people and issues that most affect their lives.”
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 www.nynow.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 WNET.
