WJCT Public Media
WJCT Public Media is a Jacksonville-based nonprofit public broadcaster operating Jax PBS television, WJCT News 89.9 FM radio, Jacksonville Today digital news, and the Jacksonville Music Experience, serving 1.7 million citizens across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia through member donations, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1958
- HeadquartersJacksonville, Florida, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingDigital Commerce or Content
What WJCT Public Media does
WJCT Public Media is an independent nonprofit (501(c)(3)) public broadcasting organization founded in 1958 and headquartered at 100 Festival Park Avenue in Jacksonville, Florida. The organization operates a multi-platform media portfolio serving 1.7 million citizens across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, comprising television broadcasting (Jax PBS on VHF Channel 7 with sub-channels Create, Kids, and More!; rebranded from WJCT-TV in February 2021), radio (WJCT News 89.9 FM converted to all news/talk format in July 2020, plus HD sub-channels Classical 24 HD2, Anthology HD3, Jacksonville's Jazz Radio HD4 launched May 2025, and The Independent HD4 launched April 2022), digital-first local journalism (Jacksonville Today launched fall 2021), and music editorial (Jacksonville Music Experience/JME launched April 2020). Supporting technology includes a broadcast transmission tower at 8675 Hogan Road (18kW ERP on RF Channel 9 at 174 MHz, with 98kW ERP on FM), the WJCT App for iOS/Android, smart speaker integration (Alexa, Google Home), and streaming distribution across Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, smart TVs, and cable systems (Comcast/Xfinity, AT&T U-Verse).
The organization's business model relies on a diversified revenue mix including individual donor memberships (anchored by the Jax PBS Passport member benefit at $60/year or $5/month threshold, plus WJCT News Now podcast subscriptions via Supporting Cast), corporate sponsorships (category-exclusive underwriting across TV, radio, digital, and event channels reaching 1.5 million weekly viewers and listeners), foundation grants (notably $1M from Florida Blue in May 2024 and $500K from Arthur Vining Davis Foundations in October 2021), planned giving/legacy programs, and event revenue (Soundstage concerts, Film at WJCT Studios, Be My Neighbor Day, Caregiving Series). The customer base includes educated, affluent Northeast Florida residents, local and regional businesses across healthcare (Baptist Health, Mayo Clinic), legal/financial, arts, utilities, and sports sectors, plus educational institutions and civic news consumers. Strategic initiatives include cooperative NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) launch with WJXT (December 2024), the Northeast Florida News Collaborative (January 2026), and partnership-driven product expansion, while leadership transitions from retiring CEO David McGowan to incoming CEO Karen Feagins (effective July 31, 2026) signal a new strategic chapter for the 67-year-old institution.
WJCT Public Media firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- WJCT Public Media
- Legal name
- WJCT, Inc.
- Website
- https://wjct.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1958
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- WJCT Public Media is a Jacksonville-based nonprofit public broadcaster operating Jax PBS television, WJCT News 89.9 FM radio, Jacksonville Today digital news, and the Jacksonville Music Experience, serving 1.7 million citizens across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia through member donations, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
WJCT Public Media industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Public Broadcasting
- NAICS
- Radio Broadcasting Stations (51611), Television Broadcasting Stations (516120), Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (51621), Television Broadcasting Stations (51612)
- SIC
- Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832), Television Broadcasting Stations (4833)
- akta.pro primary industry
- National Public Radio Networks & Member Stations (NPR-style) (MPABADAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Public Media Digital Platforms & Streaming (Apps, On-demand, Podcasts) (MPABADAG), Educational/Instructional Public Media Services (Schools, Distance Learning) (MPABADAH), Talk/News/Sports Radio Networks & Syndication (MPAIAEAG)
Keywords
Where WJCT Public Media is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Jacksonville, Florida
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
WJCT Public Media business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Digital Commerce or Content
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Individual Membership/Donations: Tax-deductible contributions from viewers and listeners at various giving levels, including monthly sustainer programs and one-time gifts. Benefits include Jax PBS Passport access at $60/year or $5/month threshold.
- Corporate Sponsorship/Underwriting: Category-exclusive sponsorship messages on television and radio programs, digital banner ads, sponsored content, e-newsletters, and event sponsorships. Sponsors align with public media's prestige brand positioning.
- Foundation Grants: Funding from foundations including Florida Blue ($1M), Arthur Vining Davis Foundations ($500k), Jessie Ball duPont Fund, and Report for America supporting Local Journalism Initiative and education programs.
- Planned Giving/Legacy Programs: Bequests, IRA charitable rollovers, charitable gift annuities, stock donations, real estate gifts, and life insurance donations supporting long-term station sustainability.
- Event Revenue: Ticket sales and donations for Soundstage concerts, Film at WJCT Studios screenings, JME events, and community workshops.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Jax PBS Passport membership at $60/year or $5/month |
| Subscription | Monthly | WJCT News Now premium podcast membership |
| Other | Annual | Corporate sponsorship and underwriting packages |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels8 records
WJCT Public Media product offering
Product offeringCore offering
WJCT Public Media is a nonprofit public broadcasting organization that operates multi-platform media services for Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, including Jax PBS television (Channel 7.1 with sub-channels), WJCT News 89.9 FM radio (with Classical 24 HD2, Anthology HD3, and Jacksonville's Jazz Radio HD4), digital local news through Jacksonville Today, and music content via the Jacksonville Music Experience (JME). The organization reaches 1.7 million citizens through broadcast, digital streaming, podcasts, and live events, funded primarily by individual memberships/donations, corporate sponsorship/underwriting, and foundation grants.
Product overview
WJCT Public Media operates a multi-platform public media organization serving Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, comprising television (Jax PBS and sub-channels), radio (WJCT News 89.9 FM with HD sub-channels Classical 24 HD2, Anthology HD3, Jacksonville's Jazz Radio HD4, and The Independent HD4), digital news (Jacksonville Today), music programming (Jacksonville Music Experience / JME), podcasts (WJCT News Now, NPR+ Podcast Bundle, Kingpins & Catalysts), educational programs (PBS Kids, workshops, writers contest, TEACH Conference), and live events (Film at WJCT Studios, Be My Neighbor Day, Sweater Drive, Soundstage concerts, Caregiving Series). The Jax PBS Passport subscription provides extended on-demand content access for donors. The WJCT App enables mobile access to all radio streams and content. The portfolio is unified by WJCT Public Media's mission to deliver local news, education, arts, and cultural programming across broadcast, digital, and in-person channels.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Jax PBS Jax PBS is WJCT's primary over-the-air and streaming television service offering PBS and locally produced programming on Channel 7.1, with multi-channel sub-stations including Jax PBS Create, Jax PBS Kids, and Jax PBS More!. It serves viewers in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.
- WJCT News 89.9 FM WJCT's flagship NPR-affiliated news/talk radio station at 89.9 FM, featuring local news, talk shows including First Coast Connect and The Florida Roundup, and the WJCT News Now podcast. Available via FM broadcast, digital audio stream, mobile apps, and smart speakers.
- Jax PBS Passport A membership benefit providing extended on-demand access to a library of PBS and Jax PBS programming, available to donors contributing at least $60/year or $5/month. Accessible via the PBS App on web, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, smart TVs, and Comcast platforms.
- Jacksonville Music Experience (JME) JME is WJCT's dedicated music editorial brand and platform offering music reviews, local artist profiles, curated playlists, a live music calendar, and the radio stations Classical 24 HD2, Anthology HD3, and Jacksonville's Jazz Radio HD4. Also produces programs including The Neighborhood with Mr. Al Pete, Electro Lounge, Blues Horizon, Tiny Desk Radio, and Bop City.
- Jacksonville Today Jacksonville Today is WJCT's local digital-first news service providing original local reporting and curated news from regional sources, delivered as a daily email newsletter and through a full website. Won the 2023 Local Media Association Award and 2026 Nonprofit News Award.
- Classical 24 89.9 HD2 HD Radio sub-channel (89.9 HD2) delivering 24-hour classical music programming, available over the air, online at jaxmusic.org, via the WJCT App, and with Sunday evening broadcasts of the Jacksonville Symphony.
- Jacksonville's Jazz Radio 89.9 HD4 HD Radio sub-channel (89.9 HD4) featuring contemporary and classic jazz programming, including the locally produced 'Bop City' show hosted by Daniel Stark celebrating bebop legacy, airing Saturdays at 9 p.m.
- Anthology 89.9 HD3 HD Radio sub-channel (89.9 HD3) curated by Music Director David Luckin, playing nostalgic 60s, 70s, and 80s music, available over the air and through digital streaming.
- Jax PBS Kids 24/7 A dedicated 24/7 children's programming channel featuring PBS KIDS shows available online and via streaming, complementing educational outreach programs like the Jax PBS Kids Writers Contest and Kids Club.
- WJCT News Now A member benefit providing supporters access to podcast perks including NPR sponsor-free listening and WJCT News 89.9 bonus podcasts, delivered via Supporting Cast platform through a private RSS feed accessible in podcast apps.
- NPR+ Podcast Bundle A podcast subscription bundle providing NPR sponsor-free listening and exclusive WJCT News 89.9 bonus podcasts for supporters of WJCT News 89.9.
- WJCT App Native mobile application for iOS and Android enabling live radio streaming of WJCT News 89.9 and all HD sub-channels, podcast access, and on-demand content viewing.
- Radio Reading Service A specialized service providing radio reading for individuals who are blind or print-impaired, broadcasting readings of newspapers, magazines, and other printed materials.
- Corporate Sponsorship / Business Partner Program Corporate sponsorship and underwriting programs allowing businesses to associate with PBS and NPR brands, reaching WJCT's educated, affluent audience of 1.7 million citizens across television, radio, digital, and event channels with category-exclusive messaging.
- Jax PBS Kids Club A children's membership program offering activities, resources, and engagement for young learners and their families, aligned with PBS KIDS educational content.
- PBS Kids Writers Contest Annual creative writing competition for K-3 students in the First Coast area, part of the PBS KIDS Writers Contest national program, encouraging children to develop reading and writing skills.
- Family and Community Learning Workshops Multi-generational PBS KIDS in-person workshops for families at early childhood centers throughout Jacksonville, developed in partnership with the Kids Hope Alliance and UNF, providing skills for children and caregivers to grow together.
- The WJCT Soundstage A live music performance venue and event space at WJCT Studios hosting concerts, artist performances, and special events including the JME Soundstage Series.
- Film at WJCT Studios A film screening and discussion series at WJCT Studios featuring independent films, documentaries, and special presentations, often with post-screening panel discussions and community engagement.
Companies that use WJCT Public Media
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
WJCT Public Media technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration25 records
Feature3 records
WJCT Public Media partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- VyStar Credit UnioncoreWJCT Public Media and VyStar Credit Union launched Caregiving Event Series to support Northeast Florida caregivers, providing resources and support for the caregiving community.
- London's National Theatre and BY ExperiencecoreWJCT Public Media partnered with London's National Theatre and BY Experience to bring the acclaimed National Theatre Live theatrical experience to Jacksonville. This partnership allows local audiences to experience world-class theatrical productions in their community.
- WJXT (Channel 4)coreWJCT Public Media and WJXT agreed to cooperative launch of NextGen TV in Jacksonville, bringing advanced television broadcasting capabilities to the market.
- Jacksonville SymphonycoreWJCT Public Media and Jacksonville Symphony partnered to bring Classical Concerts to a wider audience through broadcast and digital distribution.
- Kids Hope AlliancecoreWJCT Public Media partnered with Kids Hope Alliance to present Family and Community Learning workshops for families at early childhood centers throughout Jacksonville.
- Florida TheatrecoreWJCT Public Media partnered with Florida Theatre to launch the Untold Stories Radio Show, expanding local arts and cultural programming.
- Florida State College at JacksonvilleminorWJCT Public Media partnered with Florida State College at Jacksonville to create Bygone Jax: Our Unsung History, a local history series.
- BritBoxcoreWJCT launched a first-of-its-kind streaming bundle combining PBS Passport and BritBox, giving members access to British content alongside PBS programming.
- StoryCorpsminorWJCT Public Media partnered with StoryCorps to foster conversations across American ideological divides through community engagement.
- WLRNcoreWJCT and WLRN partnered to present The Florida Roundup, a statewide news program providing coverage of Florida issues.
- Supporting CastcoreSupporting Cast powers the seamless listening experience for WJCT News Now podcasts and audio content, providing the technology platform for member podcast benefits.
- PBScoreWJCT is the PBS affiliate for Northeast Florida, carrying national PBS programming and local PBS Kids content.
- NPRcoreWJCT is the NPR affiliate for Northeast Florida, carrying NPR news programming and participating in NPR+ Podcast Bundle.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
WJCT Public Media competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- WETA: WETA is the public broadcasting station serving the Washington DC area, operating PBS and NPR affiliate channels with similar multi-platform structure including TV, radio, digital, and educational programming. Both are member stations of PBS/NPR with comparable revenue models (membership, underwriting, grants) and similar nonprofit 501(c)(3) governance.
- WLRN Public Media: WLRN is the South Florida public broadcasting station serving Miami, and is explicitly named as WJCT's partner on The Florida Roundup statewide news program. Both are Florida-based PBS/NPR member stations with similar audience reach, membership models, and educational programming focus.
- WGBH: WGBH is the flagship public broadcasting station in Boston, operating multiple TV channels, radio stations, and digital platforms including GBH News. Both organizations serve as regional PBS/NPR anchors with comparable local journalism initiatives, educational programming, and member-supported business models.
- Nashville Public Television (NPT): NPT is the PBS member station serving the Nashville, Tennessee market with comparable regional reach, member-supported model, and multi-channel offerings. NPT represents a similar mid-market public broadcasting organization with analogous programming, fundraising, and operational structure.
- WUSF Public Media: WUSF is the Tampa Bay area public broadcasting station operating PBS and NPR services. As a fellow Florida PBS/NPR member station, WUSF shares the same regulatory environment (FCC licensing, CPB funding eligibility), audience characteristics (older, educated, affluent), and revenue model structure as WJCT.
- WUFT Public Media: WUFT is the University of Florida-licensed public broadcasting station serving North Central Florida (Gainesville area). Operating under similar university/public broadcasting hybrid model, WUFT shares comparable mission, audience characteristics, and operational scale with WJCT in its regional market.
- WMFE / WUCF (Central Florida Public Media): WMFE/WUCF is the Central Florida public broadcasting organization serving Orlando, operating PBS TV and NPR radio stations. Both are Florida-based public media stations with comparable audience scale, educational programming (PBS Kids), and member-supported business models.
Broad incumbents
- NPR: NPR is the national public radio network that WJCT's WJCT News 89.9 FM is affiliated with. NPR provides the news programming, the NPR+ podcast platform, and the institutional brand that anchors WJCT's radio operations, making it the most direct upstream counterpart for the radio business.
- PBS: PBS is the national public broadcasting network of which WJCT is a member station. PBS provides the programming content, brand, and technical infrastructure (including the Passport streaming platform) that enables WJCT's TV operations, making it the most direct upstream counterpart for the TV business.
- Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB): GPB operates a statewide public broadcasting network covering Georgia, directly adjacent to WJCT's Southeast Georgia coverage area. GPB is a broader incumbent with statewide reach that overlaps WJCT's regional footprint, offering comparable PBS programming, NPR content, and educational services.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
WJCT Public Media social profiles
Digital presenceWJCT Public Media financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
WJCT Public Media leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
WJCT Public Media subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
WJCT Public Media funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
WJCT Public Media M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about WJCT Public Media
What does WJCT Public Media do?
WJCT Public Media is a nonprofit public broadcasting organization that operates multi-platform media services for Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, including Jax PBS television (Channel 7.1 with sub-channels), WJCT News 89.9 FM radio (with Classical 24 HD2, Anthology HD3, and Jacksonville's Jazz Radio HD4), digital local news through Jacksonville Today, and music content via the Jacksonville Music Experience (JME). The organization reaches 1.7 million citizens through broadcast, digital streaming, podcasts, and live events, funded primarily by individual memberships/donations, corporate sponsorship/underwriting, and foundation grants.
Is WJCT Public Media a public or private company?
WJCT Public Media is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was WJCT Public Media founded?
WJCT Public Media was founded in 1958. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is WJCT Public Media based?
WJCT Public Media is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, United States, in the North America region.
How does WJCT Public Media make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Individual Membership/Donations are the primary driver. The others are corporate Sponsorship/Underwriting, foundation Grants, planned Giving/Legacy Programs and event Revenue.
Who are WJCT Public Media's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are WETA, WLRN Public Media, WGBH, Nashville Public Television (NPT), WUSF Public Media, WUFT Public Media and WMFE / WUCF (Central Florida Public Media). Broad incumbents are NPR, PBS and Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB).
Does WJCT Public Media have an API?
No public API is recorded for WJCT Public Media.
What industry is WJCT Public Media in?
WJCT Public Media's product category is Public Broadcasting. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPABADAB, National Public Radio Networks & Member Stations (NPR-style), with a secondary code of MPABADAG, Public Media Digital Platforms & Streaming (Apps, On-demand, Podcasts). Its NAICS code is 51611 and its SIC code is 4832.