WUFT-FM presents documentary on poverty in Bradford County

November 29, 2006

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Public radio station WUFT-FM, Classic 89.1 will broadcast a special 90-minute documentary, “The Long Road: From Poverty to Prosperity,” at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 6. This “Sound Rich” program is hosted by WUFT-FM news reporter Claudia Hickey and reveals an in-depth look at what causes poverty in Bradford County.

Poverty in Bradford County, like much of North Central Florida, is endemic. The causes go deeper than Census Bureau statistics alone. Drug abuse and crime often result from lack of education and a desperate effort to supplement income any way possible. Poor health, lack of insurance and difficulty navigating an ever more complicated system further frustrate the poor. In this special, WUFT will travel across the county and visit many victims of poverty. The program will take a look at the roadblocks to better education and better jobs, and the toll poverty takes on the health of its victims. The documentary also will feature those who are looking for solutions and the obstacles they face.

WUFT-FM, Classic 89.1 and repeater station WJUF-FM, Nature Coast 90.1 broadcast news, public affairs, classical and jazz music, and variety programming to residents in North Central Florida and Mid-Florida. The stations have studios at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications in Gainesville and serve as a training facility for telecommunications students.