We're in a "low propagation" sunspot cycle now so nothing is
consistent. But at least 2/3 of the time I can get listenable
reception of the BBC Africa Service in the late morning and afternoon
(roughly 1600 to 2100 GMT) all the way out here in Indiana on 15400
and/or 17830; maybe half the time evenings on 6005 and/or 9600. So I
would think you could get something in central New York.
Your best bet would be to go to a bookstore that has obscure
magazines and get a copy of *BBC Worldwide* for about $6. The
programming and frequency charts are inside. In my experience I have
a decent shot at many transmissions which are sent to West Africa and
even some to Angola and Southern Africa.