WGCU Shows

CREW: Keepers of the Watershed

Through extensive interviews and on-site footage, this half-hour documentary traces the roots of the 60,000-acre Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW) and the circumstances and conditions that led to its establishment, going back to the creation of the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. The program examines the unique consortium of environmentalists, government agencies, landowners, developers and private citizens who came together in the CREW Land and Water Trust for a common cause: to preserve and protect one of the region’s most valuable and important resources, the watershed that refuels the aquifers and provides water to residents of Southwest Florida. Writer/Producer/Narrator: Rod Clarke

Into the Wild: Edison, Ford & Friends

In 1914, three famous friends -- Thomas Edison, the “Wizard” of electricity; Henry Ford, the pioneer auto-maker; and John Burroughs, best-selling nature writer -- trekked into the wilds for a camping adventure in the Everglades. Their campfire camaraderie inspired a series of camping trips throughout the next decade. Joined by another famous friend, tire manufacturer Harvey Firestone, the “Four Vagabonds” explored a changing America, finding rest -- and inspiration -- in the nation’s great outdoors.
Writer/Producer: Lynne Howard Frazer
Narrator: Peter Thomas

John's Wish

Told through interviews and video shot both locally and in Africa, John's Wish is the story of a teenage boy from Fort Myers who is diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. When the Make-a-Wish Foundation asks him what celebrity he would like to meet or where he would like to take his family on vacation, he responds with a challenging and selfless request. His wish is to build an orphanage in Africa. Together with the help of many volunteers, “John’s Wish” comes true.
Writer/Producer/Videographer: Tim Kenney

Curious Kids

Curious Kids explores themes of "My Self," with healthy eating, exercise, future vocations and self-esteem; "My Backyard," through Southwest Florida from an environmental and ecological perspective; and "My World," by exploring the people and places of Southwest Florida and by discovering characteristics we share with countries around the world. Produced in partnership with the Golisano Children's Museum of Naples, Curious Kids is hosted by Tyler, Cody, Caera and Riley. International Children's Entertainer Rosie Emery produces the program, which airs quarterly -- June, September, December & March. Watch our episodes and more at the Curious Kids YouTube channel.

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FGCU Sports Report

Catch the highlights of Florida Gulf Coast University’s 14 Division I sports teams with the second season of FGCU Sports Report. Airing at 4 p.m. the fourth Saturday of each month from October 2011 to May 2012, the program features player profiles, segments on current sports and studio interviews with coaches. The half-hour program also airs at 1 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of the month on ABC-7 through a unique partnership with Waterman Broadcasting. Hosted by veteran sports journalist Tom James. Watch all episodes on our FGCU Sports Report YouTube channel. Like us at FGCU Sports Report on Facebook.
Writer/Director: Jim Goin

Sea of Uncertainty

 
Produced during the summer of 2010, this half-hour documentary provides an in-depth look at how Southwest Florida's scientists, civil society and community leaders responsed to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. By documenting the local release of turtles and the rehabilitation of pelicans directly affected by the spill in the northern Gulf of Mexico as well as new regional methods for tracking the nesting of loggerhead sea turtles, the program investigates impacts to wildlife. The interviewees also address potential long-term environmental and economic impacts to our region. 
Writer/Producer/Narrator: Donna Roberts

Promises Kept: The "Ding" Darling Refuge

The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge complex represents promises kept: a promise to nature and the earth to preserve and protect its habitat and its inhabitants, and a promise to the American people to make this 8,000-acre sanctuary available for their enjoyment, reflection and education. This half-hour program reflects on the promise made by an unassuming political cartoonist from Iowa who led the initial charge to save Sanibel Island from unbridled development and exploitation. Produced in fall of 2009 to air with Ken Burns' National Parks series.
Writer/Producer: Rod Clarke

Hemingway in Cuba

No other American writer has ever had Ernest Hemingway's stature and influence, both literary and culturally. And yet Cuba, the location where Hemingway lived over half his life and wrote many of his most significant works has been largely overlooked. This hour-long program takes an in-depth look at how Cuban culture, its religion, lifestyle and even its volatile politics influenced this great American author. The program explores both the real and fictional world of Hemingway's life and work while in Cuba.
Writer/Producer: Hilary Hemingway

YOUR VOICE

WGCU Public Media's initiative, Your Voice, examines issues affecting Southwest Florida. On a quarterly basis, Your Voice probes a topic from multiple perspectives combining a television broadcast, radio shows and articles in our monthly member magazine/program guide, Expressions. Our next Your Voice during the week of Nov. 14-18 focuses on Mental Health issues.  Your Voice is a forum for discussion and an outlet for ways listeners and viewers can get involved. 
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Edge of the Everglades: Big Cypress National Preserve

Edge of the Everglades: Big Cypress National Preserve, a half-hour documentary, tells the story of the country’s first national preserve through interviews with leaders of the movement to protect the Big Cypress, as well as hunters, private camp owners, renowned Everglades photographer Clyde Butcher, and the Preserve's wildlife biologists. Historic photographs and vintage film highlight the early efforts to include the Big Cypress in Everglades National Park, the subsequent logging of the Big Cypress, and the grassroots struggle to stop the Everglades Jetport. Produced in fall of 2009 to air with Ken Burns' National Parks series.
Writer/Producer: Lynne Howard Frazer

Narrator: Peter Thomas

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