Orlando, Fla. (Sept. 10, 2025) – WUCF, Central Florida’s PBS station, has been named a finalist for two national honors in the 57th Annual Public Media Awards, presented by the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA).
The recognition places WUCF on the national stage for its commitment to projects that strengthen community, spark dialogue and create lasting impact. This year’s nominations bring WUCF’s total to 13 Public Media Award nominations and four wins to date.
WUCF is a finalist in the Community Engagement categories for:
- Local Project – America250 Initiative: Civic Engagement, History, and Unity
- Kids & Family – PBS KIDS Preschool Book Drive with WUCF and VyStar Credit Union
Winners will be announced during the virtual 2025 NETA Conference on Monday, Sept. 15.
Community Impact at the Core
WUCF’s America250 Initiative is Central Florida’s contribution to the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, connecting residents to their history while creating space for civic dialogue and reflection. Through community events like Dishin’ Democracy, the station is inviting neighbors to gather around the table to discuss pressing issues of civic life, bridging generations and perspectives.
The initiative also elevates local voices through documentary shorts, including Arts in Action, WUCF’s digital series spotlighting Central Florida artists, and classroom-ready educational resources. Together, these offerings ensure Central Florida is not just observing this historic milestone, but actively shaping the conversation around unity, history and the future we share. Learn more at wucf.org/america250.
Building Bright Futures Through Books
WUCF’s PBS KIDS Preschool Book Drive, created in partnership with VyStar Credit Union, is transforming early childhood learning across the region. The nominated 2024 drive collected more than 5,000 books, all distributed directly to Head Start preschoolers and their families. The initiative sparks a love of reading and lays the foundation for long-term educational success.
That momentum continues with WUCF and VyStar’s 2025 Preschool Book Drive, beginning in just a few weeks, which will again invite the community to donate new preschool-appropriate books for Central Florida Head Start programs. Each book collected helps ensure more children enter kindergarten with the tools and curiosity they need to thrive. Learn more at wucf.org/bookdrive.
“These nominations celebrate what public media does best: listen to its community and respond with impact,” said Jennifer Cook, executive director of WUCF. “Whether it’s bringing neighbors together around America’s history or making sure our youngest learners have books at home, WUCF is here to serve Central Florida in meaningful ways.”
National Recognition of Local Service
The Public Media Awards honor stations nationwide for excellence in community engagement, content, education and marketing. Judged by experts both inside and outside of public media, the awards highlight the essential role stations play as trusted partners and catalysts for change.
“In a time when connection and community matter more than ever, stations are bringing public media’s mission to life in powerful ways, reflecting the values and vision of the system by serving communities with integrity, innovation and a deep commitment to storytelling that matters,” said NETA President Eric Hyyppa. “Congratulations to all the honorees. Their work is truly remarkable.”
connection and community matter more than ever, stations are bringing public media’s mission to life in powerful ways, reflecting the values and vision of the system by serving communities with integrity, innovation and a deep commitment to storytelling that matters,” said NETA President Eric Hyyppa. “Congratulations to all the honorees. Their work is truly remarkable.”
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About WUCF: WUCF serves as the region's trusted source for educational programming, arts, culture and local storytelling. As Central Florida's only PBS affiliate and home for jazz, WUCF offers free, accessible content that enriches lives, fosters curiosity and strengthens the community. Guided by the mission "We Change Lives," WUCF is committed to connecting, inspiring and empowering audiences across all platforms. To explore WUCF's impact and programming, visit www.wucf.org.
WUCF Media Contact:
Christine Dellert Mullon
407.718.0199