WUCF TV will be Central Florida's PBS channel

The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) on June 2 gave its blessing to WUCF TV, which will start July 1 and replace WMFE-Channel 24 as Central Florida's primary public television channel.

"We're thankful that the University of Central Florida and Brevard Community College (BBC) are partnering to ensure that the people of Orlando continue to benefit from the full range of high-quality PBS content and services," Paula Kerger, PBS president and CEO, said. John Hitt, president of UCF, said the university decided to step in after WMFE announced in April that it was ending its affiliation with PBS. WMFE is selling the TV station to concentrate on radio. "Being involved in the community is one of our priorities. This comes along and it's an obvious opportunity for a partnership," Hitt said. The partners already work together in television. BCC, which operates PBS station WBCC, also broadcasts UCFTV.