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WATCH: Land at heart of debate

WMHT News

In May, New York state announced the completion of the largest land acquisition in more than 100 years, the Boreas Ponds tract, which was the final purchase from a 2012 agreement with the Nature Conservancy.

Should the land be designated as "wild forest" or "wilderness?" The vocabulary might not seem like a big difference, but it's at the very heart of a debate.

Since taking over the reins in 2009, Matt has been the driving force behind the scenes producing a program with the right mix of news, in-depth reporting and analysis for the state's weekly public affairs show. Under his leadership, 'New York NOW' has won two of the most prestigious awards in the state. After three straight nominations, the program was awarded a New York State Emmy for Matt's look at the rise and fall of the Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester. A year earlier the same program won a New York State Broadcasters Award for “Outstanding Locally Produced TV Show.” Honored with national awards for programs in public affairs, documentary and historical programming categories, Matt is also the producer, writer, editor, and host of the WMHT documentary 'Presidents in Our Backyard.'