WBEN Buffalo All Local
WBEN Buffalo All Local offers a center-leaning perspective with a focus on local and national policy issues, often providing supportive coverage of certain political figures.
What This Tone Is Based On
The tone scores on this page come from analyzing how this show covers each political figure it mentions. Below is the breakdown of how many of those reads were positive, neutral, or negative.
Net media tone Slightly Positive across 259 figure-in-episode tone reads (not audience/impressions).
How WBEN Buffalo All Local Differs from Other Shows
Compared to 171 outlets · Sep 2025–Aug 2026Overall this show runs more favorable than the rest of the media — mean tone +0.07 vs the media's -0.13.
- Kathy Hochul+0.44more favorable vs. other showsShow↑ +0.22Other shows↓↓ -0.2233 eps
- Marco Rubio+0.15more favorable vs. other showsShow↑ +0.28Other shows↑ +0.1312 eps
- Chuck Schumer+0.13more favorable vs. other showsShow↓ -0.17Other shows↓↓ -0.3112 eps
Delta = this show's tone toward the figure minus the average across all 171 other tracked outlets that covered them ≥3 times, Sep 2025–Aug 2026.
Positive = friendlier here; negative = harsher.
Editorial Identity
The editorial fingerprint of this center local news show — who it elevates, who it goes after, and where it breaks from the pack.
WBEN Buffalo All Local is a center-leaning news program that emphasizes policy-driven coverage, particularly on issues like federal spending, healthcare, and national security. The show tends to cover political figures with a supportive tone, especially those like Kathy Hochul and Zohran Mamdani, while maintaining a critical stance on others such as Chuck Schumer. It operates with a focus on policy over scandal or character, reflecting a preference for substantive discussion over sensationalism.
The show frequently champions figures like Kathy Hochul and Zohran Mamdani, offering them more favorable coverage compared to the broader media landscape. It also supports issues such as federal spending and healthcare, giving them significant airtime and generally positive coverage.
WBEN Buffalo All Local stands out by providing notably more favorable coverage of figures like Zohran Mamdani and Kathy Hochul than the media average. This supportive stance is a distinctive feature, as is its focus on policy issues like federal spending and healthcare, which it covers more extensively than typical outlets.
Who WBEN Buffalo All Local boosts and attacks
Tracked figures split by this show's average tone toward them, each with the clips behind the call — tap a quote to jump to the audio.
WBEN Buffalo All Local is a reliable ally to Kathy Hochul, Marco Rubio; its prime targets are Chuck Schumer.
“Governor Kathy Hochul hopes the success of the watch parties can serve as a template for attracting other high-profile watch parties and events to Canal Side.”
“The point, Hochul says, when it comes to Canal Side, more is better, so bring it on.”
“Governor Kathy Hochul backs the bill, too, as it fits into her development agenda of creating more housing options across the state.”
“Marco Rubio also promising American allies in the Middle East, any deal with Iran will protect their interests.”
“Marco Rubio promises Iran won't be allowed to charge tolls in the Strait of Hormuz.”
“Marco Rubio said Operation Epic Fury, the combat mission against Iran is over and the priority now is reopening the strait.”
“It's exactly what's happened to Chuck Schumer. Chuck Schumer has moved progressively more and more to the left because he's looking over his shoulder to make sure he's not challenged by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in a Senate primary.”
“the contention between the two chambers and the left flank and Leader Chuck Schumer has only gotten a little more vocal.”
“some Democrats calling for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to step down for failing to keep Democrats united.”
Coverage Volume
Transcribed episodes per week — last 26 weeks
Sentiment Trajectory
Average weekly tone toward figures — green favorable, red critical
Whose coverage is ramping up — and dropping
New attack lines forming: Anthony Fauci (0→3 eps, tone -0.40). Cooling on Graham Platner.
“Across N days” = distinct days behind the recent count; a single burst means it’s concentrated in ≤2 days — treat as one story, not a trend.
Top Issues WBEN Buffalo All Local drives
Top Issues ranked by lift — how much harder this show pushes an issue than the average outlet. ≥ 1.25× over-indexes.
WBEN Buffalo All Local pushes Energy & Energy Independence hardest — 3.8× the average outlet's rate of coverage.
Show organizations & places →Organizations & Places They Focus On
Recent Stories
Ford is shifting some production work from China back to the U.S., which is expected to positively impact the Hamburg Stamping Plant and its nearly 1,000 workers. Local labor leaders view this decision as a significant boost for the region's economy and job market.
Flock Safety announced new measures for its automated license plate reader technology in response to public concerns about privacy and police misuse. The changes include requiring law enforcement to provide a specific reason for vehicle searches and reducing data retention from 30 days to 7 days, aiming to increase public confidence in the system.
Governor Kathy Hochul is facing criticism for granting a 30-year property tax break to developer Penrose LLC for the North Aud Block project in Buffalo. Critics, including former Congressman Chris Jacobs, argue that the lack of transparency surrounding the deal and the significant taxpayer dollars involved raise serious concerns about the project's fairness and impact on the community.
The World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. was vandalized with red paint and a substance that caused the fountain to bubble. U.S. Park Police are investigating the incident, which has drawn emotional responses from visitors who feel a personal connection to the memorial.
The U.S. is intensifying economic pressure on Iran amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials have disputed claims from U.S. officials that the waterway is no longer blocked, asserting that it will remain closed until their conditions are met. This situation underscores the fragile diplomatic relations and the strategic importance of the Strait.
As part of the agreement for the new Highmark Stadium, fans will incur a 6% surcharge on all purchases made at the venue. Erie County Comptroller Kevin Hardwick explained that this surcharge is a replacement for previous funding methods that relied on county property taxes, allowing only stadium users to contribute to future improvements. The funds collected will be used for capital improvements at the stadium, with assurances that the surcharge rate will not increase without legislative approval.
A flash flood emergency has been declared in Indiana following unprecedented rainfall that inundated neighborhoods and submerged vehicles. Rescue teams are actively working to assist residents, with reports of individuals clinging to utility poles awaiting help. The flooding has been described as a once-in-a-century event, highlighting the severity of the situation.
An Army Apache helicopter crashed in Central Texas, resulting in the deaths of two individuals on board. The crash, which occurred near Salado, also sparked a wildfire that led to evacuations of nearby homes. The cause of the crash is under investigation by Fort Hood's Criminal Investigation Division.
The Savannah Police Department has terminated six employees, including four officers, for improperly accessing data from the Flock camera system for personal reasons. This incident highlights concerns over the misuse of surveillance technology and the need for strict oversight.
Former Buffalo Police Captain Jeff Rinaldo discusses the implications of Flock camera technology, which captures license plate data and can be used by law enforcement. While he acknowledges its effectiveness in solving crimes, he raises concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of data by private entities.
Assemblyman Pat Burke has introduced a bill to increase transparency in the approval process for private development projects, specifically targeting the North Aud Block redevelopment. The bill aims to prevent property tax exemptions without local approval, addressing concerns over public funds being used without proper oversight.
Residents of Niagara attended an information session regarding radiation testing on properties due to long-buried contaminated materials. Despite the presence of state and federal officials, attendance was low, reflecting a mix of fear and apathy among the community. The DEC has tested over 1,200 properties, but future plans remain uncertain.
The Buffalo Bills are responding to concerns from season ticket holders regarding sightlines at the new Highmark Stadium following its unofficial opening. The team is addressing these issues on a case-by-case basis and aims to resolve them before the home opener, although some seats with sightline issues are not being sold.
Fans experienced the new Highmark Stadium for the first time during a practice session, sharing overwhelmingly positive feedback about the food, seating, and overall atmosphere. However, concerns were raised about obstructed view seats, with some fans questioning the accuracy of virtual seat previews. Experts suggest that while the stadium is impressive, it may not significantly boost the local economy without additional development around it.
Iranian officials have stated that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. addresses a long list of demands, including lifting blockades and ceasing negative rhetoric about the Iranian regime. This escalation in demands highlights ongoing tensions between the two nations and the complexities of diplomatic relations in the region.
The former Wonderbread Building in Buffalo, now an eyesore, has prompted local officials to seek legal action against its owner, Harry Stinson, who has failed to renovate the property since purchasing it. The building's long-standing vacancy raises concerns about urban decay and the need for accountability among property owners.
Over 180 new wildfires have erupted across the U.S., particularly in the West, with significant evacuations in southern Oregon and a state of emergency declared in British Columbia. The situation is dire, with firefighters struggling to contain large fires and tragic losses reported, including the deaths of two pilots.
Mark Zuckerberg's super yacht has come under fire after it failed to assist a stranded boat in Alaska, while a smaller cruise ship stepped in to help. The incident raises questions about the responsibilities of yacht crews and the scrutiny faced by high-profile individuals.
The FDA has approved a new mRNA flu vaccine for adults aged 50 and over, developed by Moderna. This innovative vaccine is designed to be more effective than traditional flu shots and can be updated more quickly to adapt to changing flu strains, marking a significant advancement in flu prevention.
New York Attorney General Letitia James released a report concluding that there was insufficient evidence to charge deputies in the death of Sean Humphrey at the Erie County Holding Center. The report detailed the circumstances surrounding Humphrey's death, including his seizure-like behavior and subsequent restraint by deputies, ultimately determining that their actions did not constitute criminal negligence.