Viewers to now receive the NASA Educational Channel and more
By Chris Fish
cfish@hometownnewsol.com
BREVARD -- As of Thursday, Nov. 15, local television station, WBCC-TV, has returned to independent public programming.
This return to independent programming follows a recent partnership between Brevard Community College and the University of Central Florida.
The original partnership began in an attempt to save funding for PBS in Central Florida, prompting the creation of WUCF TV, which served more than 3.5 million viewers.
However, WBCC TV will no longer carry PBS programming due to the University of Central Florida's recent purchase of the television license of WMFE-TV in Orlando, which will be the primary PBS affiliate for the region.
Despite no longer carrying PBS programming, John Glisch, associate vice president of communications for Brevard Community College, said WBCC offers a variety of television programming for viewers, including American Public Television and the NASA Education Channel, which will showcase the latest in space exploration.
"We are really excited about the new programming being offered to the viewers in Brevard County, building on a tradition of serving the public with shows that educate, enlighten and inspire," Mr. Glisch said.
Topics for WBCC range from arts and culture programming to public affairs and children shows.
Programming will also include the show "Globe Trekker," an adventure tourism television series, and "Inside Washington," a show that follows political issues.
Since resuming independent programming on Nov. 15, WBCC now broadcasts on four channels, including a new channel line-up.
The main channel broadcasts on channel 68.1, while the Classic Arts Showcase is on 68.2. The NASA Education Channel is on channel 68.3 and The Florida Channel, which showcases state government news, is on channel 68.4.
All channels are available on cable television systems throughout Central Florida.
Brevard Community College's television station first began in 1988 as low-power WRES TV before changing to WBCC in 1991 and increasing the station's power to 60,000 watts in 1992.
For cable channel information, visit www.wbcctv.org.