Recent

  • Dr. Peter Gorski: Putting a Child on the Road to Success

    Dr. Peter Gorski, Director of the Lawson and Rhea Chiles Center for Healthy Mothers and Babies and Professor of Public Health, Pediatrics and Psychiatry at USF speaks about the secrets of putting a child on the “road” to success. Dr. Gorski discusses how babies are born ready to relate, learn and respond to social interaction.

  • Blueprint America

    The discussions surrounding mass transit in the Tampa Bay area are becoming increasingly lively as we all experience congestion and traffic chaos on a daily basis. But what is the road to the future? High Speed Rail; Light Rail; Better Bus Systems; Wider Highways? WEDU will take an in-depth look at the issues and choices facing Tampa Bay as we pave the road to our transportation future with two upcoming programs. The first is a online-only community conversation; followed by a special one hour edition of Florida This Week: “Blueprint Tampa Bay Transportation: Livability & Sustainability” which will look at not only transportation in Tampa Bay, but in other cities working to break the gridlock, decrease our dependence on oil, and increase access to transportation on WEDU on Friday, October 1 at 8:30 p.m.

  • Caregiving

    Many, if not most of us will be both in our lifetimes — caregiver and the cared-for. We may slip into these roles so gradually that we scarcely realize it. Or, as the social scientists say, we may not self-identify. While the huge increase in the number of caregivers in our society can be said to be a result of the success of medical technology, it also represents a breakthrough in our growth as an extended family.

  • Facing The Mortgage Crisis

    There is hope, there is help. As we all face the financial crisis WEDU will continue to bring you information from experts, trusted resources, and the Tampa Bay community.

  • Florida: Choosing The Future

    Florida: Choosing The Future challenges viewers to grapple with tough decisions in government policy, business development, education and citizen involvement – decisions that offer no simple “right answer” – but that must be decided now if Florida is to thrive in the 21st century. The moderator, distinguished legal scholar Professor Arthur R. Miller, guides a lively discussion with a panel of state leaders in business, education, politics and media through a scenario that, as it unfolds, reveals the dilemmas, the choices and the decision-making processes confronting all Floridians as we try to shape the state’s future.

  • Kids & Alcohol

    Now in its fifth year, this series addresses the issues surrounding underage drinking in the state of Florida. This was an in-depth discussion on the harmful effects of underage drinking. Designed to increase community awareness, the meeting provided an opportunity for parents, teachers, officials, youth and other community members to voice their concerns and suggest ideas for preventing young people from using alcohol.

  • Kids In The Arts

    Kids in the Arts has been funded by a generous grant from Ann and Alfred Goldstein with a vision of promoting the arts throughout Florida’s west coast. Kids in the Arts is an exclusive production of WEDU; the station’s Vice President of Content, Jack Conely, served as the Executive Producer; Ken Cherry as the Producer.

  • My Source

    WEDU strives to be the source for educational, cultural and entertaining local/community information online, on-air or in-print for the west central Florida area. WEDU endeavors to increase our viewer’s awareness of and participation in outreach activities and special events by demonstrating how much of a resource we are to the community.

  • Respite Care

    As the population ages, families, friends and loved ones of the sick and elderly find themselves in changing roles. Caregivers struggle with the complexity of the medical system, financial issues and family tension. Yet many caregivers refer to their experience as powerful, positive and uplifting. To support caregivers, the PBS health series Second Opinion has created a national public education campaign on caregiving.

  • Ringling International Arts Festival

    What do you get when you combine one of the country’s leading Art Museums with a contemporary NYC performance space nobly focused on providing precious resources for the creation of new work to the most vital artists in their fields? What happens when the traditional meets the radically new? What occurs in the community that gets to witness it all up close for the first time? Is there a word, title or phrase for that experience anywhere… The Ringling International Arts Festival – a creative collaboration that captured the imagination of the west central Florida community.

  • The Uninsured

    Health insurance is a proposition of risk. Some choose to be insured because they want to avoid the potential financial catastrophe that comes with a serious health event. For others, however, there really is no choice at all. They simply can’t afford private health insurance. That group, often referred to as the “working poor,” is the focus of a new WEDU documentary The Uninsured: Help and Hope.

  • Venice – Moving Forward By Looking Back

    Urban planner and landscape architect John Nolen saw a chance to design his model city in Venice, Florida. However, designs for a just and united society ran headlong into a segregated Southern reality, but ultimately resulted in a unique blend of charm, architectural interest, public green spaces and walkability now coined as “new urbanism.”

Archive

2010

  • Florida’s Kids, Alcohol & Prescription Drug Misuse Town Hall

    After five successful years of annual community discussions helping to raise awareness of the dangers of underage drinking and drug use, WEDU is proud to present its 2010 Florida’s Kids and Alcohol & Prescription Drug Misuse Town Hall. Underage drinking and prescription drug misuse is at epidemic proportions in the Bay area. Host Laura McElroy addresses the dangers of underage drinking and drug use with a panel of Bay Area students, experts, and takes questions from a studio audience.

  • PBS NEWSHOUR Town Hall Meeting

    During the week of April 12th of 2010 the City of Tampa was featured as a “Spotlight City” on PBS NewsHour. Senior correspondents Gwen Ifill and Judy Woodruff conducted special reports during this week-long series that discussed nationally important stories through a local prism. This local NewsHour Town Hall, moderated by Judy Woodruff was taped at the WEDU studios in front of a live audience.

2009

  • WEDU Interview: David Fanning

    Exploring and illuminating the critical issues of our time, FRONTLINE is America’s most independent and engaging public affairs series and a preeminent program on PBS for more than 25 years. Host Rob Lorei discussed the current global affairs and the state of journalism today with FRONTLINE’s executive producer David Fanning.

  • WEDU Interview: Amy Goodman

    Amy Goodman, host of the award-winning news program Democracy Now! sat down for a special interview with Rob Lorei. An investigative journalist, syndicated columnist and best-selling author, Goodman’s work has helped pioneer the largest media collaboration in the United States. The interview covers the narrow range of debate in mainstream media and how her program Democracy Now adds to filling out the debate; media coverage on health care reform and the lead-up to war in Iraq and expanded war in Afghanistan; her sense of a social conscience coming from her religious tradition; the fact that she was beaten in East Timor as she covered a march for human rights; the decline of newspapers in the U.S. and the impact on quality news reporting.

  • Florida’s Kids & Alcohol: A Town Hall Meeting

    After four successful years of annual community discussions to help to raise awareness of the dangers of underage drinking and drug use, this WEDU town hall meeting provided educational information and frank discussions about how kids are obtaining alcohol and the consequences of underage drinking – along with a community focus on effective advocacy.

  • WEDU Interview: Warrick Dunn

    Thousands cheered Warrick Dunn, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ running back each weekend. In this edition of WEDU Interview you’ll get to know Dunn face-to-face as he joins host Rob Lorei to talk about life, football, and his inspiring triumphs over adversity. At the age of 18, Warrick became a single parent to his five siblings upon the death of his police officer mom, killed in the line of duty. And yet despite this challenge, he prospered as a college and professional athlete. Dunn went on to spearhead the ongoing philanthropic “Home for the Holidays” initiative which shelters hundreds. Dunn remains a champion and role model to everyone in the Tampa Bay area.

2008

  • Where We Stand: America’s Schools in the 21st Century

    In today’s global economy, do our students have what it takes to compete with those around the world? More than ever before, America’s students face a challenging future. U.S. education is falling behind China, Finland, India and others. Some experts believe that the current generation could be the first in America’s history to have a lower standard of living than their parents. Join WEDU for a special look at education in west central Florida.

  • WEDU Interview: Neil deGrasse Tyson

    He’s a conduit to the cosmos and the “Sexiest Astrophysicist Alive.” She’s a pioneer of cutting-edge science programming. Join NOVA science NOW host, Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson and Senior Executive Producer, Paula Apsell on this episode of WEDU Interview.

  • The Uninsured: Help & Hope

    Health insurance is a proposition of risk. Some choose to be insured because they want to avoid the potential financial catastrophe that comes with a serious health event. For others, however, there really is no choice at all. They simply can’t afford private health insurance. That group, often referred to as the “working poor,” was the focus of the WEDU documentary The Uninsured: Help and Hope. The one-hour program looks at the struggles of everyday residents on the west coast of Florida caught in the middle of America’s health insurance crisis and introduces some of the local organizations and volunteers, including doctors, nurses and concerned citizens, who are making a difference in the overall health of our community.

  • And Thou Shalt Honor

    Are you a caregiver? One in four of us are now involved in caregiving for a spouse, a loved one or a friend. To provide answers to many questions, WEDU offered two hours for local and personal problem solving during this town hall meeting on caregiving in West Central Florida.

  • WEDU Interview: Paula Kerger

    She’s the head of the national group which funds and distributes programming to the 348 independent public television stations across the country. After two years on the job, she shared her experiences and what lies ahead for Public TV. The President of PBS, Paula Kerger sits down with host Rob Lorei on this episode of WEDU Interview.

2007

  • WEDU Interview: Nancy Hamilton (Operation PAR)

    Substance abuse and addiction are on the rise among women in America. The problem takes a heavy toll on society and – most of all—the children of these women. Many end up taken away from their mothers and put into foster care, but a unique program in west central Florida is trying to change that. Join us for a look at women and drug use, in this WEDU Interview with Operation PAR’s chief executive officer Nancy Hamilton.

  • The State of Florida

    From beaches to shopping malls, technology to tourism, immigration to the environment, we’ve seen where Florida has been, where it is now, and where it may be headed. But of course, the direction of our state depends on each of us and our elected leaders. Join this group of guests who are highly qualified to talk about Florida, our past, and ideas to make it an even better place for everyone.

  • Heroes From The Bay *Emmy Award Winner*

    They were fathers, sons, mothers, and daughters who stepped up and served at a terrible time in World History. The bombing of Pearl Harbor thrust the U.S. into World War II, and the Tampa Bay area soon became an epicenter of Military training and tactics. Troops poured in from all over this country and the world to learn maneuvers on the advantageous shores of Tampa Bay. Some served in far off places they had never heard of, while others contributed at home. All contributed in their own way and all have become Heroes from the Bay. Through a series of interview and archival footage, Heroes from the Bay focuses on the local efforts that helped win the war and make life better for the combat Veterans when they returned home.

  • Florida This Week Special: Greta Van Susteren Interview

    In the world of 24-hour cable-TV news, Greta Van Susteren knows about the competitive demands. She should — Van Susteren is a broadcast veteran of CNN Network and now hosts Fox Network’s daily “On the Record” news & interview program. Get her insights on this Florida This Week Special Interview with Greta Van Susteren.

  • Coming Home: Youth Re-entering Communities After Incarceration

    The problems of overcoming drug and alcohol addiction are rampant in this country. Many young people who are diagnosed with substance abuse or mental health disorders face enormous challenges as they return to their families and neighborhoods. Host Laura McElroy sat down with William Cope Moyers and a panel of experts to examine the problems young people face as they try to re-enter society.

  • WEDU Interview: William Moyers, Jr.

    William Cope Moyers had just about everything necessary for a successful life. He came from a loving home, his Father Bill Moyers, the respected reporter, his mother Judith devoted to her family. He had a successful career as a journalist at the Dallas Times Herald, New York Newsday, and at CNN. He was married to a loving wife, and had two small children. But none of these prevented him from descending into a drug addiction nightmare that eventually wound up at a crack house in downtown Atlanta. That incident led him to the Hazelden Foundation in St. Paul, Minnesota, a place that helps addicts recover and move on with their lives.

  • WEDU Interview: Michael Copps

    We hear about them when there’s a wardrobe malfunction, when a shock jock becomes too shocking, and when a broadcast property is bought or sold: they’re the FCC. On this WEDU interview, one of the five commissioners in charge – Michael Copps – discusses public airwaves.

  • WEDU Interview: Dr. Bob Emmons

    Expressing gratitude and thankfulness is a nice thing to do, as every mother will tell you, it’s a sign of good upbringing. But it’s really a lot more than that…philosophers and religious scholars have long embraced and encouraged people to express gratitude and appreciation…now it’s science’s turn. Meet a leading researcher who says gratitude is not only good but it’s good for you.

  • WEDU Interview: Charlie Crist

    In a March, Quinnipiac poll of Florida voters, Republican governor Charlie Crist earned an overall approval rating of 73 percent and some suggest that the Governor’s apparent populist approach heralds a new era in Florida politics. On this episode of WEDU Interview Governor Charlie Crist discussed his first days in office.

  • Marco Rubio Special

    Florida house speaker Marco Rubio explains his controversial new plan to lower the property tax and raise the sales tax. Will Floridians go for raising the state sales tax to the highest in the nation? And how will business and government be affected? Political insights on this special episode of Florida This Week.

  • Follow-up Special: Property Tax Review

    Florida house speaker Marco Rubio addressed many questions on his proposed property tax plan during a WEDU public forum. The plan has raised controversies in regard to the amount of money being cut from local government. In this special follow-up episode of Florida This Week, find a review of the public forum with state house speaker Marco Rubio, who discussed the property tax proposal and how it would impact local government and community services.

  • Central Avenue Remembered *Emmy Award Winner*

    Central Avenue was the main street for the African American Community in Tampa. It was the pulse of the community at a time when African Americans were openly discriminated against. Like today, people visited Florida for its weather, and a string of historic figures left a mark on Central Avenue and Tampa. Central Ave. is a 30 minute documentary about the people of Central Avenue. A poem written by Tampa Poet Laureate James Tokely entitled “Central Avenue Remembered” takes us on a trip back to that time, with music and sounds of the era and a strong feeling of pride. The program paints a rich picture of Tampa’s past that shows joy amid pain, struggles and successes, together with the warmth of the street’s descendants, taking pride in the accomplishments and enduring legacy of their parents and grandparents.