Pensacola State College (PSC) has released a statement addressing what it calls “misinformation” about its decision to end WSRE-TV’s PBS affiliation, clarifying that the College owns the broadcasting license and that WSRE and PBS are separate entities. The College acknowledges a lawsuit filed by what it describes as the “decertified WSRE Foundation” and states it is preparing a legal response. PSC emphasizes it has paid an annual fee to affiliate with PBS for years, which has created public confusion about the relationship between the two organizations.
- Important Detail: PSC contends that the WSRE-TV Foundation was established in 1990 specifically to support WSRE Public Broadcasting, not PBS, citing the Foundation’s Articles of Incorporation which make no reference to PBS. The College points to an amendment stipulating that if the Foundation ceases to exist while PSC continues operating WSRE, the Foundation’s assets should transfer to the College for WSRE’s use.
The College attributes the decision to end its PBS affiliation to federal and state funding cuts that previously provided over $1.5 million annually to support the PBS fee and WSRE staffing. In the current fiscal year, PSC budgeted more than $1 million for WSRE operations—primarily staff salaries supporting the Foundation—while the Foundation was expected to contribute approximately $600,000 for local programming and community outreach. The statement notes that viewers can still access PBS programming through internet streaming.
The College President has formally requested that Foundation representatives Amy Day and Jerrod Dawson transfer the Amos Endowment to the PSC Foundation, arguing these funds are dedicated to maintaining the Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio located on campus.
- PSC is also seeking transfer of the Foundation’s remaining unrestricted funds as an endowment for WSRE’s local programming and community outreach, plus reimbursement for studio maintenance and other costs already incurred.
- The College maintains it will continue providing public broadcasting services to the community despite budget cuts and remains committed to finding collaborative solutions.
STATEMENT
PENSACOLA, Fla. — Pensacola State College has issued this statement to correct misinformation circulating in recent news reports regarding WSRE-TV and the College’s decision to end its affiliation with PBS. The College is aware of a lawsuit filed by the decertified WSRE Foundation, and we are currently developing a legal response.
Pensacola State College owns the broadcasting license for WSRE Public Broadcasting. The College has long paid an annual fee to affiliate with PBS, a relationship that has existed for many years and has understandably led to public confusion about whether WSRE and PBS are the same entity. They are not…