South Florida PBS

What South Florida PBS does

South Florida PBS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public media company and the largest in Florida, operating two flagship television stations, WPBT (serving Miami-Dade and Broward counties, on air since 1960) and WXEL (serving the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast since 1982), which collectively reach approximately 6.3 million viewers across South Florida from Key West to Sebastian Inlet. Beyond traditional over-the-air broadcast, the organization distributes content via the PBS Video App (Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, smart TVs, mobile), NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0), YouTube, and sub-channels including South Florida PBS Kids, Create TV, the Health Channel, and The Florida Channel, alongside original productions such as Art Loft, Changing Seas, Star Gazers, Check Please! South Florida, and KidVision PreK.

The company's core technology stack combines public broadcasting infrastructure with a growing immersive division at its Boynton Beach studios, featuring free-roam VR experiences (Napoleon: The Immersive Saga, Colosseum: The Legendary Arena), a permanent Titanic exhibition with VR submersible dive and AI photo booth, and 360-degree dome presentations. The Innovation Lab commissions student VR art from Nova Southeastern University. On the broadcast side, NextGen TV capabilities extend ATSC 3.0 features.

South Florida PBS generates revenue through a diversified nonprofit model: sustainer memberships ($5/month or $60/year) that unlock PBS Passport on-demand streaming, major donor circles ranging from $1,500 to $50,000+, planned giving and legacy society commitments (gifts of $100,000+), corporate sponsorships subject to PBS editorial guidelines, on-air pledge drives that constitute the majority of the local operating budget, ticketed immersive experiences ($35-$45 per visit) sold through Fever and Eventbrite, vehicle donations, and foundation grants. Immersive Membership tiers ($8-$15/month) and the SFPBS NextGen young professional program ($5/month) add subscription-based revenue, while a 7-year management agreement with Miami-Dade County Public Schools provides contracted revenue stability for WLRN. In 2026 the organization is nationally distributing its first major co-produced documentary, AMERIGO, via American Public Television.

Name

South Florida PBS

Legal name

South Florida PBS

Website

https://southfloridapbs.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1960

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

South Florida PBS is Florida's largest nonprofit public media company, operating WPBT and WXEL television stations plus immersive VR exhibitions (Titanic, Napoleon, Colosseum) at its Boynton Beach studios, serving approximately 6.3 million viewers across South Florida through broadcast, streaming, and in-person cultural experiences.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Broadcasting Services

NAICS

Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations (5161), Television Broadcasting Stations (51612), Radio Broadcasting Stations (51611), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Television Broadcasting Stations (4833), Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832)

akta.pro primary industry

National Public Television Networks & Member Stations (PBS-style) (MPABADAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

State/Regional Public Broadcasting Networks & Consortia (MPABADAC), Public/Nonprofit Children’s Educational Broadcasters (MPABAKAF), Educational/Public-Service Broadcast Networks (MPABAAAE)

Keywords

• Public broadcasting services
• Television broadcasting stations
• Educational media content
• Immersive virtual reality experiences
• Nonprofit member-supported media

Headquarters

HQ city

Boynton Beach

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership and Donations: Primary funding source through viewer contributions. Members donate at various levels ($5/month sustainer, $60/year, or major gifts) to support programming. Fundraising on-air pledge drives make up the majority of local operating budget. Tax ID: 59-0737868.
2. PBS Passport Subscription: On-demand streaming library available to members who donate at least $5/month as ongoing sustainer or $60 in past year. Provides extended access to PBS content including Masterpiece, NOVA, Nature, and locally produced content.
3. Immersive Experience Tickets: Revenue from Titanic, Colosseum VR, and Napoleon VR immersive experiences. Tickets priced at $35-45 for adults, with group rates and accessibility accommodations available.
4. Corporate Sponsorships: Partnerships with corporate sponsors who support specific programming or events, subject to PBS funding guidelines ensuring editorial independence.
5. Major Donor Program: Friends of South Florida PBS major donor levels including Executive Producer ($50,000+), Leadership Circle ($25,000+), Studio Circle ($10,000+), Producer's Circle ($5,000+), Director's Circle ($3,000+), and Chairman's Circle ($1,500+).
6. Planned Giving and Legacy Society: Endowment donations and planned gifts. Legacy Society membership requires documented planned gift of at least $100,000 or current gift of at least $100,000 to endowment.
7. Vehicle Donation Program: Vehicle donation program accepting cars, trucks, boats, RVs with proceeds benefiting South Florida PBS. Donors receive tax deduction based on sale price.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels9 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

South Florida PBS operates two PBS member television stations (WPBT serving Miami-Dade/Broward and WXEL serving Palm Beaches/Treasure Coast), produces original local programs, and distributes digital sub-channels (South Florida PBS Kids, Create TV, Health Channel, The Florida Channel). It generates the majority of revenue from on-air pledge-driven memberships and donations, with secondary income from the PBS Passport on-demand benefit, corporate underwriting, major-donor and planned-giving programs, and vehicle donations. In 2026 it added paid ticketed immersive cultural experiences (Titanic, Colosseum VR, Napoleon VR) at its Boynton Beach studios, plus educational programs such as the Innovation Lab and AI & You workshops.

Product overview

South Florida PBS is Florida's largest public media company operating a multi-channel broadcast and digital media portfolio. The core offering consists of television stations WPBT (serving Miami-Dade and Broward) and WXEL (serving Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast), alongside digital channels including South Florida PBS Kids, Create TV, Health Channel, and The Florida Channel. Original productions include Art Loft, Between The Covers, Changing Seas, Check Please! South Florida, KidVision PreK, KidVision Mission, Star Gazers, and Your South Florida. The company operates an immersive experiences division offering Titanic: An Immersive Voyage (permanent), Colosseum: The Legendary Arena VR Experience, and Napoleon: The Immersive Saga VR Experience, all at its Boynton Beach studios. Membership programs include PBS Passport (on-demand streaming), SFPBS NextGen (young professionals), and Immersive Membership (access to immersive exhibitions), supported by livestreaming via the PBS Video App on multiple platforms.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• South Florida PBS Kids: Children's educational programming streaming on digital platforms
• The Health Channel
• Create TV
• SFPBS Immersive
• SFPBS NextGen
• Cornelia T. Bailey Cultural Arts Center

Products and services

• WPBT Primary PBS television station serving Miami-Dade and Broward counties with arts, education, and public affairs programming, broadcasting for over 60 years to over a million South Florida viewers.
• WXEL Public broadcasting station serving the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast since 1982 with acclaimed programming tailored to the South Florida community.
• South Florida PBS Kids Children's programming streaming on digital platforms, allowing viewers to watch favorite PBS Kids shows anytime, anywhere.
• Create TV Lifestyle-focused channel featuring series on cooking, travel, home, gardening, crafts, and other lifestyle interests.
• Health Channel Health-focused channel connecting viewers with health specialists in real time to promote healthier lifestyles, operated as a partnership with AllHealth TV.
• The Florida Channel Public affairs programming service funded by The Florida Legislature and produced by WFSU-TV, providing gavel-to-gavel coverage of state government.
• Art Loft Original South Florida PBS production showcasing arts programming across the South Florida region.
• Between The Covers Original South Florida PBS production focused on literary programming and book-related content for South Florida viewers.
• Changing Seas Original South Florida PBS production exploring marine science and ocean environments around South Florida and beyond.
• Check, Please South Florida Original South Florida PBS production covering dining and restaurant culture across South Florida.
• KidVision PreK Early-childhood educational program providing engaging content designed to promote school readiness for preschool-aged children.
• KidVision Mission South Florida PBS educational production aimed at engaging children with mission-driven learning experiences.
• Star Gazers Original South Florida PBS production focused on astronomy and stargazing education.
• Your South Florida Original South Florida PBS production covering local community issues, culture, and public affairs across the South Florida region.
• PBS Passport On-demand streaming library of PBS programs available to South Florida PBS members who donate at least $5/month as a sustainer or $60 annually, including full seasons of Masterpiece, NOVA, Nature, American Experience, and American Masters.
• South Florida PBS Livestream Free livestreaming of WPBT and WXEL television channels available via web and the PBS Video App, enabling viewers without antenna, cable, or satellite to watch live broadcasts.
• Titanic: An Immersive Voyage A permanent immersive exhibition at South Florida PBS studios in Boynton Beach featuring authentic Titanic artifacts, life-sized room recreations, video animations, an AI photo booth, a lifeboat re-creation, and an optional VR submersible dive to the Titanic wreck site 2.5 miles below sea level. Visit duration 45-90 minutes; tickets $35-$45.
• Colosseum: The Legendary Arena VR Experience Standing free-roam VR experience at South Florida PBS studios in Boynton Beach, transporting guests to ancient Rome through 3D-printed recreations, cinematic storytelling, and free-roaming virtual reality. Guests walk the streets of Rome, descend beneath the arena floor, and stand before virtual 80,000 spectators. Tickets $25-$35.
• Napoleon: The Immersive Saga VR Experience Standing free-roam VR experience placing guests inside Napoleon's world in 1817 on Saint Helena, where the Emperor recounts his life. Features tense war councils, the thunder of charging cavalry at Austerlitz, and the retreat at the Berezina. Minimum age 12. Tickets $25-$35.
• Innovation Lab Student-focused innovation program featuring VR art experiences created by Nova Southeastern University students, including the Egyptian Pharaohs VR exhibition exploring ancient history through virtual reality technology.
• AI & You Workshops Interactive 2-hour workshops held at South Florida PBS studios in Boynton Beach providing hands-on, stress-free learning about artificial intelligence and how to use AI technology in daily life, including career-focused workshops and networking events.
• SFPBS NextGen Young professional membership program at $5/month or $60/year offering insider access to media and cultural events, exclusive studio tours, professional development workshops, VIP event invitations, creative community networking, PBS Passport access, and a NextGen newsletter.
• Immersive Membership Two-tiered membership program for access to SFPBS immersive experiences. Explorer Membership ($8/month or $96/year) includes 2 complimentary passes annually plus PBS Passport; Voyager Membership ($15/month or $180/year) includes 4 complimentary passes, 10% off additional tickets, and advance event notices.
• Egyptian Pharaohs: From Cheops to Ramses II VR Exhibition Student-created VR exhibition featuring four original virtual reality art experiences inspired by Ancient Egypt, exploring ancient history, mythology, and belief systems through contemporary creative expression by Nova Southeastern University students.
• South Florida PBS YouTube Channel Official YouTube channel featuring exclusive content highlighting the South Florida community, including episodes of KidVision, Star Gazers, Check Please South Florida, Changing Seas, Your South Florida, Art Loft, and On The Town in the Palm Beaches.
• AMERIGO: The Search for the American Dream Documentary Documentary series exploring the American Dream, filmed across all 50 states over two years with over 1,000 unscripted interviews, available on PBS Passport and PBS.org after national PBS distribution.
• Hidden In Plain Sight Documentary Documentary chronicling the history and cultural legacy of Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, a 35-acre historic estate in Fort Lauderdale accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

Quantifiable outcome

• Da Vinci exhibition attracted over 40,000 visitors and engaged 4,200 students
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Miami-Dade County Public SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 May 2026Long-term partnership ensuring continued stability and future expansion. Amended management agreement extending SFPMG management of WLRN stations for seven years. SFPMG acquired West Palm Beach radio station WFLM for $1.00 to transfer to School Board as part of settlement.
• PBS (National)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 March 2026National PBS partnership presenting 'AMERIGO' documentary. Multiple PBS member stations including South Florida PBS partnered for the documentary project exploring the American Dream.
• McCourt EntertainmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 November 2025Partnership with McCourt Entertainment to produce 'AMERIGO: The Search for the American Dream' documentary series. Adam Mason directed, filmed across all 50 states. Premiered on South Florida PBS before national distribution through American Public Television. Part of America's 250th anniversary programming.
• American Public TelevisioncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 13 November 2025American Public Television distributing 'AMERIGO: The Search for the American Dream' documentary nationally to PBS stations nationwide, premiering June 1, 2026.
• Nova Southeastern University - Department of Communication, Media, and the ArtsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudent artists from Nova Southeastern University commissioned to create VR experiences for Egyptian Pharaohs exhibition. Four original virtual reality art experiences exploring ancient history, mythology, and belief systems through contemporary creative expression.
• SandoraminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Napoleon VR Experience providing support for the immersive historical experience at South Florida PBS.
• Small CreativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Colosseum VR Experience contributing to the immersive Ancient Rome experience.
• Eclipso Cultural AdventuresminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Colosseum VR Experience providing cultural adventure content.
• FeverminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTicketing platform partner for Napoleon VR Experience, Colosseum VR Experience, and Titanic immersive experiences.
• Exhibition HubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Titanic: An Immersive Voyage exhibition bringing the immersive Titanic experience to South Florida PBS.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• WGBH (GBH): GBH (formerly WGBH) is Boston's flagship PBS member station and one of the largest public media organizations in the U.S., producing national programming including Frontline, American Experience, and NOVA. Directly comparable as a PBS station operator with original production capabilities, multi-channel distribution, and educational outreach.
• WNET Group: WNET is the New York metro PBS station group operating THIRTEEN, WLIW21, and NJTV, producing signature PBS content. Comparable as a multi-station PBS operator with educational programming, fundraising-driven budget, and immersive content production.
• KQED: KQED is the San Francisco Bay Area PBS and NPR affiliate, operating broadcast, digital, and education programs. Comparable as a multi-platform public media organization with memberships, sponsorships, and educational content production similar to South Florida PBS.
• WETA: WETA is the Washington, D.C. PBS station and a major producer of PBS NewsHour. Comparable as a PBS member station operator with significant original content production and member-driven funding model.
• WTTW: WTTW is Chicago's PBS station and home of productions such as Check, Please!. Comparable as a regional PBS station with multi-channel portfolio, original content, educational programs, and membership-based revenue.
• American Public Television: APT distributes public television programming nationally to PBS stations, including South Florida PBS's AMERIGO documentary. Comparable as the national distribution partner and a peer organization operating in the public broadcasting ecosystem.
• WFSU Public Media: WFSU is the Tallahassee-area PBS and NPR affiliate producing The Florida Channel (distributed via South Florida PBS's infrastructure). Comparable as another Florida public broadcaster with original content production and statewide public affairs programming.

Broad incumbents

• PBS (Public Broadcasting Service): PBS is the national distributor and brand for the U.S. public television system, of which South Florida PBS is a member station. Comparable as the parent network providing content distribution, brand framework, and operational standards for the member station network.

Regional players

• WUCF TV: WUCF is the PBS member station serving the Orlando/Central Florida market, operating UCF-affiliated public broadcasting. Comparable as a Florida-based PBS member station with educational programming and member-supported funding.

Emerging players

• Exhibition Hub: Exhibition Hub is a producer of large-format immersive experiences including Titanic: The Immersive Voyage, partnering with South Florida PBS on its Titanic experience. Comparable as an emerging venue-based immersive experience producer in the same thematic and operational space as South Florida PBS's SFPBS Immersive division.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@southfloridapbs
• Facebookfacebook.com/southfloridapbs
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/472321/admin/dashboard
• Instagraminstagram.com/wpbt2
• TikToktiktok.com/@southfloridapbs

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about South Florida PBS