Behind The Headlines
Behind the Headlines is a new one-hour, weekly public radio program featuring conversations about the local and regional news of the week. Providing analysis of the latest local and regional and cultural issues, Behind the Headlines is hosted by Express News Group editors Bill Sutton and Joseph P. Shaw. To bring listeners a diversity of perspectives, voices and views, each week Sutton and Shaw will host a rotating panel of esteemed guest journalists and colleagues, from a robust collection of East End, Long Island, and regional news and public affairs outlets. Confirmed participating organizat
- Update frequency
- every 9 days
- Average duration
- 53 minutes
- Episodes
- 194
- Years Active
- 2021 - 2025
24 years since 9/11, preserving working waterfronts, and more
In this week's conversation, the panel reflects on the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, discussing community memories and local commemorative events. They also touch on the preservation of worki…
Legal complexities surround cannabis dispensaries in Riverhead
In this episode of Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses the legal challenges surrounding cannabis dispensaries in Riverhead, the water pipeline proposed by the Suffolk County Water Authority, Ne…
Carlos Sandoval reflects on his time on the East End and the Latinx community
Carlos Sandoval is a filmmaker and writer who has been a vital part of the East End community for over three decades. In this episode of Behind The Headlines, Joe and Bill welcome him to reflect on h…
Public radio faces severe challenges amid broad changes in local journalism
In this week's edition of Behind The Headlines, the panel discusses the the challenges facing public media and the changing nature of local journalism more generally. The panel also explores the impa…
What the rescissions package means for public radio on Long Island
In the wake of the passage of the rescissions package, the panel discusses what impact WLIW-FM may feel in addition to what it means for independent public media stations across the country. They als…
Workforce housing vs. affordable housing in Riverhead, and more
In this week's conversation, the panel explores affordable housing issues in Riverside and Riverhead, highlighting the complexities of local government regulations between the two municipalities, com…
Express Sessions: The South Fork's Bounty, on Land and at Sea
Please enjoy this Express Sessions while Behind The Headlines is off. This was recorded live on May 8th, 2025 and has been edited for time and conciseness. An unedited version can be found here.
Public media faces existential threats from Trump administration
Under President Trump's rescission package, public media would be crippled by the proposed slashes to funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Bob Feinberg, chief counsel for The WNET Grou…
Facts vs. rumors regarding ICE activity on the East End
This week on Behind The Headlines, the panelists outline recent reports and rumors surrounding ICE activity on the East End. The panel discusses the challenges of confirming these reports, the role o…
Significant fire incident at Crown Recycling in Calverton
This week on Behind The Headlines, the panel introduces Chris Francescani, publisher of the new publication The North Fork Sun. They'll be covering everything from Riverhead to Greenport. Beth Young …
Riverhead makes unconventional use of eminent domain
This week, the panel discusses recent developments in Riverhead, including the Science Center project and the implications of eminent domain in recent redevelopment efforts. They also discuss the imp…
Express Sessions: Preservation vs Property Rights in Southampton Village
Please enjoy this Express Sessions while Behind The Headlines is off. This was recorded live on April 10th, 2025 and has been edited for time and conciseness. An unedited version can be found here.
Congressman LaLota breaks with Republican Party over SALT cap
In this episode of Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses Congressman Nick La Lota's stance on SALT deductions, which have a big impact on property taxes for Long Island, and the changing dynamics…
Local impact of federal immigration policies
This week's edition of Behind The Headlines conversation explores the evolving public perception of immigration enforcement on the East End. The panel also explores the political pressures and implic…
Downtown Riverhead continues redevelopment efforts
Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News Group
Bill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News Group
Denise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead Local
Beth Young, Editor/Publisher at East E…
Long Island economy feels impacts of Trump tariffs
This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses impacts on the local economy from the Trump Administration tariffs; local food pantries serving more people; developments on Riverhead Main Stre…
Prescribed burns play important role in preventing future wildfires on Long Island
This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses the importance of prescribed burns in preventing wildfires; an effort to provide markers to remember the history of enslaved people in Riverhea…
Express Sessions: Taking the Pulse of the Hamptons Real Estate Market
Please enjoy this Express Sessions while Behind The Headlines is off. This was recorded live on February 13th, 2025 and has been edited for time and conciseness. An unedited version can be found here…
Riverhead Town Board restricts public comment at meetings
This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses restrictions on public comment at Riverhead Town Board meeting; congressional town hall meetings; the reaction to racist comments posted on the …
Ponquogue Bridge closed indefinitely
This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses the closing of Ponquogue Bridge; new voting machines; an update on the Crescent Duck Farm; developments at East Hampton Airport; and news from a…