WUCF TV brings on some new programming

On Sept. 15, WUCF TV started a new tradition.

At 8 p.m. it aired Peter, Paul and Mary: Carry It On — A Musical Legacy, kicking of its first-ever pledge drive as the new WUCF TV and provider of PBS broadcasting to the Central Florida community.

"We're doing a pledge week for the next 10 days; it's a little different then what you would normally see," said Grant Heston, vice president of UCF News & Information. "What we've heard from viewers already is that the traditional formats can get a little tiring, so we're giving it a lighter touch, but the need is still great."

Back in June, WMFE sold its license back to PBS and was no longer going to be providing local PBS broadcasting to the local Central Florida community. The choices for local programming were either not to have any or bring it in from Tampa. This is where WUCF TV came in. Taking over the PBS station enabled Central Florida to keep its favorite PBS shows as well as local programming that is relevant to the community.

The proceeds from this year's pledge drive will be going toward WUCF TV's membership dues to PBS, the fees for transmitting its signal and also producing local programming which, by the end of January 2012, will consist of four regular spots dedicated to Central Florida.

Among the differences from other pledge drives, WUCF TV is doing things specifically geared to the community. The channel is asking viewers to contact them via phone or email and tell them what they want out of their local programming.

"We want to get to know Central Florida," Heston said. "We're new on the block, and it's really the community's station."

These spots will be airing local and special programs throughout the next six to eight weeks.

"I'm from Brevard County and definitely think the local programming stations should get to know their community," said Somilez Francis, a junior micro & molecular biology major. "I think this is a great idea for all of us to see some great specials and get acquainted with the newest members of our community. I'm especially looking forward to seeing the Barbra Streisand show."

WUCF TV is also going to be featuring local experts alongside national specials. On Sept. 16, before the airing of Nikolai Baskov: Romantic Journey, two UCF faculty members from the music department talked about why opera is important, adding a little bit of a local connection to the national spots.

"I've always been interested in the local aspects of television and film, and I think that this is a great way to learn more about the community and see what it has to offer," freshman film major Mark Castro said.

WUCF TV is looking for more than money for its efforts. The channel is looking for community involvement. If you can't donate, "like" it on Facebook, send an email or just visit the website every now and then to see what's happening around town.

There will also be specials aired featuring Jackie Evancho, the pre-teen singing prodigy, and a special about the making of the popular documentary Freedom Riders. For more information and schedules, check out wucftv.org/pledge.

It's programs like these that make PBS such a commodity to the community, Heston said.

"It's the kind of thoughtful storytelling that PBS brings to the community," Heston said. "I think we all get enough of the car crashes and bank robberies on the local news. This is the kind of stuff that makes us better citizens."