WUCF TV debuts a show this week after saluting “Global Perspectives” host John Bersia.
In a retrospective Sunday, the PBS station reminded viewers of Bersia’s low-key, respectful style. He died March 21 of cancer at age 62.
Bersia, who won a Pulitzer Prize when he worked for the Orlando Sentinel, leaves an archive of informative interviews on topics ranging from civility to slavery, from human trafficking to political cartooning. In the simply produced series, Bersia kept the focus on the guests and their comments.
“NewsNight,” a panel discussion with local journalists, debuts at 8:30 p.m. Friday on WUCF. Nancy Alvarez, an anchor at WFTV-Channel 9, will moderate the show. It follows the national “Washington Week.”
PBS stations rely heavily on viewer support. WUCF has raised $292,000 in its spring pledge drive, according to updated numbers the station released Friday. The goal had been $300,000.
