WUFT-TV, Cox to provide live coverage of Homecoming parade

October 3, 2005

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Public television station WUFT-TV and Cox Communications will provide exclusive live television coverage of the 2005 University of Florida Homecoming parade, starting at noon Friday.

The parade can also be seen via streaming video at http://www.wuft.tv. WUFT-TV Associate News Director Bridget Grogan and Rosie Moreno-Jones of Cox Communications will serve as emcees for the two-hour broadcast.

UF’s 82nd Homecoming parade, with the theme “Gator Nation, ” will begin with a military fly-over of the Blue Angels. Emmitt Smith, former Florida Gator running back and NFL rushing leader along with Kendra Todd, winner of “The Apprentice,” will serve as grand marshals. Local and state dignitaries will be honored as they ride down University Avenue in classic and new convertibles. This year’s Homecoming parade, coordinated by Florida Blue Key Parade Director Matt Shapiro, will showcase spectacular bands, floats and special units from University of Florida student organizations and community groups.

WUFT-TV and Telecommunication students from the UF College of Journalism and Communications will provide live television coverage for the parade, and public radio station WUFT-FM will facilitate audio production during the event. WUFT-TV Production Director and UF Assistant Professor Frank Counts will serve as executive producer. Cox Communications has provided financial support for the production truck.

A rebroadcast is scheduled for 5 p.m. Sunday on WUFT (Cox Cable Channel 3 in Gainesville) . Cox Communications will air the parade live and rebroadcast the parade at various times on Cox Cable Channel 15 in Gainesville and Ocala. WLUF-LP, Channel 10 (Cox Cable Channel 6) will also rebroadcast the parade at 5 p.m. Friday. The production truck expenses are underwritten by Cox Communications.