Audio Catholic Life Features

AUDIO EXCLUSIVE: Co-creator of classic PBS series reflects on his faith and work

Michael Mroziak April 23, 2024

Catholic Diocese of Buffalo Sound Hub · SPECIAL – April 22, 2024 – Reading Rainbow co-creator discusses his Catholic faith & his work

He helped create a public television series which, for roughly a quarter century, inspired children to read. During his many years of involvement with the program “Reading Rainbow,” Tony Buttino leaned on his Catholic faith while facing the joys and the challenges of putting the show on the air.

Tony Buttino sits in his Buffalo-area home, where he welcomed WNY Catholic Audio’s Michael Mroziak to hear about his experience as co-creator and longtime executive producer of “Reading Rainbow,” one of PBS television’s most beloved children’s shows. Behind Buttino on the counter is an Emmy Award, one of the 26 earned by “Reading Rainbow” during its run. (Photo by Michael Mroziak)

While the show’s run ended back in 2009, Buttino’s faith in Christ still shines brightly today, as it did before the start of his career with WNED-TV.

He has co-authored a new book about the series, “Creating Reading Rainbow: The Untold Story of a Beloved Children’s Series.”

Buttino welcomed WNY Catholic Audio’s Michael Mroziak into his home recently to discuss his experience with “Reading Rainbow,” and to discuss his faith, which is strong throughout his family.