Emerald Coast PBS to Resume Broadcasting in Florida Panhandle on November 1
On November 1, PBS programming will make its comeback in Northwest Florida, airing from WPAN television in Fort Walton Beach on channel 53.1, with PBS KIDS available on 53.2. This revival follows PBS's exit on July 1, 2026, when WSRE Channel 23, affiliated with Pensacola State College, ceased operations due to financial issues after a $1.5 million funding loss. To restore PBS access for residents lacking cable or high-speed internet, local community members founded Emerald Coast PBS, under the leadership of executive director Jill Hubbs. The station aims to secure $1 million over the next year and will showcase popular shows like "Masterpiece," "Antiques Roadshow," and various children's programs. Emerald Coast PBS is situated at 316 South Baylen Street, Pensacola.
Key facts
- PBS programming returns to Northwest Florida on November 1 via WPAN television.
- WPAN broadcasts from a tower on Barrineau Park School Road in Barrineau Park, west of Molino, and is licensed to Fort Walton Beach.
- Viewers in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties in Florida and Baldwin County, Alabama, can watch channel 53.1 and PBS KIDS on 53.2.
- PBS left local airwaves on July 1, 2026, when Pensacola State College ended WSRE Channel 23's network affiliation.
- WSRE lost approximately $1.5 million in state and federal funding, including federal Corporation for Public Broadcasting grants.
- The PSC District Board of Trustees voted to decertify the WSRE-TV Foundation, end the network partnership, shut down digital subchannels, and shift WSRE to independent educational programming.
- Jill Hubbs, a 30-year WSRE outreach veteran, is executive director of Emerald Coast PBS.
- Emerald Coast PBS aims to raise $1 million over the coming year and is headquartered at 316 South Baylen Street in downtown Pensacola.
- A $60 or greater annual donation provides access to PBS Passport.
Entities
Artists
- Jill Hubbs
- Marci Levin Goodman
- Ken Burns
- William Reynolds
Institutions
- PBS
- WPAN
- WSRE
- Pensacola State College
- PSC District Board of Trustees
- WSRE-TV Foundation
- Emerald Coast PBS
- Corporation for Public Broadcasting
- Levin Papantonio
- NorthEscambia.com
Locations
- Northwest Florida
- North Escambia
- Barrineau Park
- Molino
- Fort Walton Beach
- Escambia County
- Santa Rosa County
- Okaloosa County
- Florida
- Baldwin County
- Alabama
- Pensacola
- Century
- United States