Public affairs series starts new season on WUFT Thursday

September 14, 2005

“North Florida Journal,” WUFT’s long-running public affairs series, begins its new season on a new day. The half-hour program will air at 8:30 p.m. Thursday.

The new season begins with a look at the issues and problems surrounding student alcohol use. Groups created by the university, city government and alcohol providers are looking at how to protect the safety and well being of students and residents. Major problems being examined include underage drinking, binge drinking and the safest way to see that drinkers get home without harming others or putting themselves at risk.

Each of the groups is examining whether certain practices or shortcomings of the university, businesses or government regulation are contributing to these problems and what changes or efforts might make significant improvements while allowing legal responsible alcohol use to continue.

University of Florida President Bernie Machen has been proactive in bringing together university groups of faculty, students, and administrators, and community leaders to make a change in behaviors that put students at most risk and to change the culture of the university with regard to alcohol use. Several of the proposals that are being considered by the Community Alcohol Coalition that he initiated are expected to be core points of discussion in the “North Florida Journal” program.

Expected guests for the program include Patricia Telles-Irvin, vice president for student affairs; Joe Goldberg, student government president; Frank Morello, downtown club owner and Gainesville Responsible Hospitality Coalition participant; and Gainesville City Commissioner Jack Donovan, who serves on the Commission’s Public Safety Committee.

The “North Florida Journal” program is hosted by Bridget Grogan, WUFT-TV associate news director .