The WSRE-TV Foundation filed a federal lawsuit last week seeking to block Pensacola State College from taking control of millions of dollars donated by residents of Northwest Florida and South Alabama to support WSRE’s public television programming.
The Foundation says the lawsuit is the first of its kind in the nation and aims to protect private charitable donations from being absorbed by a government entity.
For nearly 60 years, WSRE has served as a trusted public media outlet across the Gulf Coast, providing children’s educational programming, classroom resources, military-focused content, local documentaries, and life-saving information during hurricanes and emergencies.
Foundation Alleges PSC Sought Control of Private Donations
According to the federal complaint, Pensacola State College moved to sever its relationship with the Foundation and demanded control of donor-raised funds intended solely for WSRE’s public media mission.
The lawsuit alleges PSC’s president attempted to force the dissolution of the independent nonprofit and require that private donations be transferred to the college.
“People donated because they believe in WSRE’s educational and community mission,” said Amy Day, chair of the WSRE-TV Foundation board. “They did not give so their gifts could be taken and placed into a government budget.”
Lawsuit Focuses on Donor Intent
Foundation officials emphasize the case centers on donor intent—a core principle of charitable giving.
WSRE’s Longstanding Role in the Region
WSRE serves more than 1.2 million viewers and has played a central role in the region for decades, including children’s education, classroom tools, military family programming, local documentaries, and hurricane preparedness.
PSC Ends PBS Affiliation
Earlier this year, Pensacola State College voted to end WSRE’s affiliation with PBS.
What’s Next for WSRE
The WSRE-TV Foundation says it is exploring options to continue PBS programming, local storytelling, and community services independent of PSC.