In the Sunshine State, where hurricanes and tropical storms pose a significant threat, the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) exemplifies how the University of Florida (UF) extends its mission beyond education to benefit all state residents directly.

FPREN, which launched in 2011, is a collective of 13 public radio stations that cover Florida. In partnership with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and local Emergency Operations, the stations are equipped to stay on the air, even during power outages, to provide critical safety information to millions of people. In 2018, FPREN partnered with South Carolina ETV/South Carolina Public Radio to extend the service to that state.

The network is the brainchild of Randy Wright, executive director of the Division of Media Properties at the UF College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC). As a former TV weathercaster with a deep understanding of audience needs for emergency information, Wright saw a glaring hole in public media’s coverage of severe weather and public safety-related events.

“Events like hurricanes are a massive job to report on and require a lot of expertise,” Wright said. “Public radio stations didn’t have those resources. FPREN is an operational model and strategy to provide emergency information from our facility at WUFT to all Florida public radio stations, which cover the entire state.”

The network is headquartered at WUFT-FM/TV at UFCJC. It is a state-of-the-art storm center. A dedicated team of meteorologists and content producers work around the clock broadcasting information across all media platforms. The content includes digital stories for FPREN partner station websites, live social media updates for their local, in-market accounts, live and pre-produced radio and television coverage, and online storm preparation and evacuation instructions.

FPREN provides public radio stations with safety information they could not access previously. “It created an exciting new world of community impact for many of our partners,” Wright said.

In 2015, FPREN launched an extension of its live public safety coverage through a free mobile app called Florida Storms. The application geolocates and streams the user’s closest public radio station carrying FPREN content. Wright describes it as a “one-stop-shop” for individuals to access emergency information no matter where they are.

FPREN’s journey from a fledgling concept to a nationally recognized and heralded state-funded initiative is a testament to its efficacy and importance. Looking ahead, Wright considers taking the FPREN model to other public broadcasting partners nationwide. In the meantime, the emphasis will be on adopting new technologies and enhancing the quality of emergency information.

“FPREN is a testament to the power of a land-grant institution to protect and serve its community in times of need.  I couldn’t be prouder of the impact FPREN makes across Florida and beyond on behalf of the University of Florida” Wright said.

Posted: February 12, 2024
Category: College News
Tagged as: FPREN, Gator Day, Megan Borowski, Randy Wright