UF joins nationwide push for support of public radio, TV

December 17, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — WUFT-TV/FM at the University of Florida has joined with public television and public radio stations across the country in an unprecedented effort to harness the enthusiasm of the 170 million Americans who watch, listen to or use the services and programming of public media each month.

The centerpiece of the campaign is a website – www.170MillionAmericans.org – that represents the beginning of a grassroots effort to engage the support and energy of listeners and viewers in local communities.

The campaign was founded on the belief that now, more than ever, our country needs a strong public media system as a source of nonpartisan news, local cultural programming and noncommercial educational programs.

Public funding ensures that public media will continue to enhance the quality of life in local communities through their offerings of children’s programming, news and public affairs, music and culture and more.

WUFT-TV/FM plans to promote the campaign effort to listeners and viewers and the North Florida community by urging supporters to join the campaign at www.170MillionAmericans.org.

“2011 will be the year when a vigorous debate over the importance of public media will occur,” said Randy Wright, executive director of WUFT-TV/FM. “And we’re proud to be a driver in this coordinated grassroots efforts to harness the support and energy of every supporter of public media in America.”

For more information, contact Sue Wagner at 352-392-5551 or swagner@wuft.org.