Local Programs from WSRE from Pensacola, Florida
Other Resources
Collection Summary
This collection is made up of over 100 episodes from three series produced locally at WSRE in Pensacola, Florida. The episodes in this collection were produced during the period from 1998 - 2010, with most of the episodes originating in the mid to late 2000s. The first series, AWARE!, hosted by Dee Dee Sharp, is made up of over 60 episodes from the years 1997-2011 exploring the varied cultural interests of the many ethnic communities throughout Northwest Florida and parts of Alabama. Focusing on people and current issues, the series features newsmakers, role models and celebrities who relate their encouraging, inspirational, and sometimes controversial but always entertaining stories. Episodes cover a range of topics including homelessness and poverty, financial empowerment, civil rights, and health. The second series, Connecting the Community, is a weekly, half-hour public affairs show. The third, Food for Thought, is a monthly program exploring thought-provoking topics, featuring select speakers, civic presentations, and enlightening events throughout Northwest Florida. These programs address a wide range of topics, in the fields of local history, science, health/wellness, and political science. Additionally, some episodes discuss current events that are of lasting historical significance, including the terrorist attacks of September 11th, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, climate change, and the outcome of the 2008 U.S. presidential election.
Collection Background
WSRE is Northwest Florida’s Public Broadcasting Service member station licensed to the Pensacola State College District Board of Trustees and supported by WSRE-TV Foundation, Inc. Established in 1967, WSRE broadcasts four free over-the-air channels serving 1.5 million people along the Gulf Coast from the Alabama/Mississippi state line to Destin, Florida. WSRE provides its viewers access to television programs from PBS while also producing its own programming. WSRE is located on the campus of Pensacola State College in Pensacola, Florida. The collection was digitized by Public Broadcasting Preservation Fellows Melissa Anthony (2019) and Ashley Bell (2022-2023), through a collaboration between the American Archive of Public Broadcasting (AAPB) and The University of Alabama’s School of Library and Information Studies.
