WUSF Public Broadcasting Signs Contract with Pasco County

Community based programming is centerpiece of partnership to operate Pasco County government cable channel

Tampa, FL (PRWEB) November 28, 2003 -- WUSF Public Broadcasting announced that it has signed a contract with Pasco County Government Television Services to develop, implement and operate the Pasco County Government Cable Channel, a 24-hour per day, seven-day a week government television station.

The cable channel, Channel 19, will feature more community-based programming aimed at helping serve residents more efficiently, including all County Commission meetings, Florida Channel programming including coverage of Florida Legislature sessions, live events and programming relevant to the community. The station is scheduled to be launched in December.

Through its partnership with WUSF and the University of South Florida in Tampa, the county will be able to provide higher quality service with less cost to the citizens of Pasco County, WUSF Public Broadcasting officials said.

The Pasco Channel is a great example of how government can operate efficiently by working together to provide the best services to the community," said Andy Latimer, WUSF Business Development Director. This is a great partnership. It provides a cost-effective, high quality government television solution while offsetting operational costs and infrastructure cost for both WUSF Public Television and the Pasco Channel. Simply put, it's efficient government."

WUSF will provide services and operations to the cable channel, develop and integrate new and existing technologies, including multi-media, graphic database design, engineering design, maintenance, television production and post-production services. According to Latimer, there will also be ongoing development of community based programming for the channel. Working with Pasco County staff, WUSF will also develop programming content such as graphics and billboard information. All funding for this service will be provided through the county's cable franchise agreements.

In April 2003, WUSF Public Broadcasting entered into a similar partnership with the 13th Judicial Circuit Court in Hillsborough County to improve efficiency in the court room. WUSF Public Broadcasting officials said the initiative would help maximize its digital capabilities, fund additional investments in technology and programming and allow for more community collaboration, convergence and innovation.

WUSF Public Broadcasting, licensed to the University of South Florida, is a valuable community resource that serves the public interest through programming, educational outreach and partnerships with individuals, foundations, corporations, community organizations and the campus community.