Buffalo Rising Online

Jul 24th, 1:46pm By Allie Friedman

As the summer starts to dwindle down and the leaves start to change, you might hear some bummed out Buffalonians say, "There is nothing to do in Buffalo." Well, Esther Smothers, a hardworking, dedicated woman, has set out to rid the city of these remarks.

Esther has started her own television show called What's Happening Buffalo & Western New York premiering Sunday, August 3rd from 8 - 9 am on MYTV Buffalo. This show will target Buffalo, as well as the eight counties of Western New York, letting the public know that there is always something going on in Buffalo.

Esther was born in the Bronx, but moved to Buffalo at the age of three. Therefore, Buffalo has always been home to her. She started her media career while attending Performing Arts High School as a radio talk show host and gospel music disc jockey on WHLD AM 1270. She later became an apprentice to Carla Taylor, host of radio talk show "Insights," heard than on WBLK 93.7

Following her radio career, she created and co-hosted--along with Hon. Demone Smith, Masten District Council Member--a public access television show which aired for four years. The show was called Leaders 4 A Better Tomorrow.

Esther said, "I believe that Buffalo is on the incline. I want to be a part of it." Using her enthusiastic personality and love for the city, Esther will bring cameras to different locations, advertising the hidden treasures of Buffalo and Western New York. She will venture to local businesses in the city, showing off certain aspects that residents may not know about.

Esther likens it to a sort of, "Buffalo Rising for television." The television show will highlight events, parks, and all major communities. Esther will focus on the north, south, east, and west sides of Buffalo.

What's Happening Buffalo & Western New York will be a television show for all ages. Esther said, in regards to her first television show, "I received the same compliments from the elderly, as well as the young people. That's how I knew it was right." This is the same approach she'll use for her new television appearance.

Esther's show is not political, but will educate viewers on what is politically affecting the region. In hopes of promoting businesses, voicing community concerns, displaying artwork, showing off sports teams, and applauding actors, Esther has put all of her effort into creating something that will benefit all of Buffalo.

Esther initially came up with this brilliant idea at a fundraiser. And after speaking with another individual about when she was going to go back into television, she'd made up her mind. With all that is going on in Buffalo, Esther reasoned that a positive media addition can only help.

The show's mission is to influence and energize residents of Buffalo and Western New York, ultimately reintroducing these areas as our own beautiful, vibrant and developing community.

The premiere of the show on August 3rd will portray a local author and a gentleman who runs his own Urban Arts Community Program called the "Urban King Center".

In order to make the program all that is can possibly be, Esther needs more corporate sponsors and advertisers to provide funding for the show. Not only is this a great way to enhance Buffalo, but it is great way to give new businesses and events publicity. In the United States, television is still considered the most effective type of advertisement. So, what better a way to show off hard work?

If interested in advertisement, becoming a sponsor, or getting on the show, contact ARK Productions by calling (716) 563-1002 or emailing ARKproduction@gmail.com.

This show is not based on a "If you pay, we'll come" motto. It is a chance to put Buffalo back on the map as it continues to rise. Esther said, "I want to give people the chance to fall in love with Buffalo all over again." If it wasn't love at first sight for you, bet that you'll warm up with Esther and What's Happening Buffalo & Western New York.