Public media organization transitions to community-funded model

WJCT Public Media, the independent, community-owned public media organization serving Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, recently marked an important milestone in the organization’s evolution.

Effective Wednesday, Oct. 1, with the start of WJCT’s new fiscal year, the organization has transitioned to a fully community-funded model — a change powered by widespread support from individual donors, philanthropic foundations and underwriting partners across the region.

This changeover reflects years of intentional, strategic efforts to diversify WJCT’s revenue, a priority that was accelerated after approximately $2 million in revenue was eliminated at the state and federal levels. In the final months of the 2024-25 fiscal year, WJCT and its supporters rallied together to raise more than $1 million to ensure the organization’s financial stability, including contributions from more than 1,000 donors.

These achievements ensure that WJCT’s core services — from local news and emergency weather updates, to early childhood education programs and free events — will continue to be made available. 

“WJCT has always been 100% community-owned,” said David McGowan, president and CEO of WJCT Public Media. “We’re proud, and incredibly grateful, to say that we are now also 100% community funded. This fundraising momentum shows that WJCT’s services deliver immense personal and civic value. We begin this new fiscal year on solid financial footing, and with an even greater resolve to deliver the trustworthy, educational and insightful programs that represent the special role that public media plays in our community’s quality of life.”

WJCT Public Media is governed by a volunteer board of trustees, whose leadership is critical to maintaining and growing the organization’s financial health. The organization recently confirmed the appointment of D. Samuel “Sam” Inman and Austin Staton as new trustees at its annual meeting on Sept. 25.

• D. Samuel Inman is the president and CEO of Community First Credit Union. He has served the credit union since 1990, starting as an assistant accounting manager before progressing into numerous leadership roles before being named the institution’s seventh president and CEO in 2024.

• Austin Staton is the director of media relations for CSX. Over the past 15-plus years, he has served as a trusted adviser to executives and senior leaders at global Fortune 500 companies, helping them navigate high-stakes media moments, shape public perception and build lasting trust with key stakeholders.

Bill Hendrich, a retired executive vice president, radio for Cox Media Group, continues in the second of his two-year term as board chair. Anne K. Madsen, chief financial officer for LSF Health Systems, a division of Lutheran Services Florida, now serves as both chair-elect and treasurer.

“WJCT Public Media is a resilient and innovative organization,” said Hendrich. “Our trustees are united in our commitment to this vital community asset and its success. Sam and Austin both bring tremendous professional talent to the board. With their contributions, the excellent work of our current board members, and Anne’s consistent leadership, we are ready to embrace this new chapter of WJCT’s exciting story.”

To learn more about opportunities to support WJCT Public Media, including updated offerings for corporate partners and sponsors, go to wjct.org.