Season 44 Premieres Monday, October 21!
Tune in to WPBS-TV Weeknights at 7:30 PM or Stream Online at watch.wpbstv.org
Whiz Quiz is a local TV program produced by WPBS-TV in Watertown, New York. This quiz bowl-style tournament invites over 30 high-schools from across the North Country and Canada to participate and compete for a scholarship prize. The program debuted in 1980, and has been on the air for over 40 years.
Competing high school students from both sides of the border showcase their knowledge in areas like Math, Geography, Literature, and the Arts. This trivia competition is a single-elimination format and the winning team takes home the Glenn Gough Honorary Scholarship.
About the Host
WPBS is excited to announce that Whiz Quiz will be returning for its 44th season with a new host! WWNY-TV’s Mel Busler – a household name in Northern New York – will be adding to his television duties as he becomes the new host for the series.
While new to Whiz Quiz, Mel Busler is no stranger to local airwaves. Mel Busler started his broadcast career at WATN radio in 1978. In 1982, Mel moved over to 7News television, becoming a full time Sports Anchor of the 6 and 11 newscast in 1984. For over 42 years, Mel has had the pleasure of covering North Country sports at 7News, and considers himself lucky enough to find a career he enjoys in his hometown of Watertown.
Over his long career, Mel has been honored with awards from the New York State Broadcasters Association, Associated Press and the Syracuse Press Club. But what he’s most proud of is his family, including wife Rose and sons Mel and Matt. “That’s what life is really about,” Mel emphasizes.
Asked about his new role on Whiz Quiz, Mel is enthusiastic. “I feel honored to be a part of Whiz Quiz on WPBS… I’ve been a supporting member of WPBS for many years and now to have a chance to be a part of a show with as much history as Whiz Quiz is very exciting. I hope to add a little something to what’s been a very successful show!” Read more here.
Competing Schools
Current Bracket
Recent Matches
To view more Whiz Quiz episodes, visit: watch.wpbstv.org/show/whiz-quiz-us-matches
Current Champions
WPBS-TV has completed production of the 43rd season of local TV program Whiz Quiz, and is pleased to announce the 2023 Whiz Quiz Champion: Potsdam Central School from Potsdam, New York and the 2023 International Winner: Frontenac Secondary School from Kingston, Ontario. Read the press release here.
Sponsors
We are so thankful to our sponsors who continue to make this program possible.
Production funding for Whiz Quiz is provided by Jefferson-Lewis BOCES, St. Lawrence Lewis BOCES, Jefferson Community College, Samaritan Medical Center, and NRCIL.
Scholarships for winning Whiz Quiz teams are provided in part by National Grid, Stewart Shops, Bowers and Company CPAs, The Sunrise and Noon Rotary Clubs of Watertown, The Clayton Rotary Club, The Antwerp Masonic Lodge #226, The Waddington Masonic Lodge #393, The Dexter Masonic Lodge #1072, The Gouverneur Elks Lodge #2035, The Carthage Elks Lodge #1762, The Lowville Elks Lodge #1605, The Watertown Elks Lodge #496, and The Boonville Elks Lodge #2158.
Participation
If your school is located in the Northern New York or Eastern Ontario region and would like more information on participating in Whiz Quiz, please contact: jkeegan@wpbstv.org.
If you are a retired teacher or have experience in education and would like to apply to become a Volunteer Whiz Quiz Judge, please fill out the application form here.
Behind the Scenes
Take a peek at the WPBS production crew setting up and filming Whiz Quiz with some behind the scenes photos here.
