History of WEFS-TV
Embark on a journey through the rich history of WEFS-TV, a public broadcasting station deeply rooted in the community and operated by Eastern Florida State College.
WEFS-TV is a trusted source of educational and entertainment programming for Space Coast residents and beyond. The station is a testament to the college's commitment to education, community, and the spirit of innovation. Over the years, we've evolved, expanded, and adapted to meet the changing needs of our viewers, and we remain dedicated to serving our community and appreciate your donations in support of our mission.
Explore our timeline to discover the milestones that have shaped WEFS-TV into what it is today:
1988: The Birth of WRES-TV Channel 18
In June 1988, the story of WEFS-TV began as the Brevard Community College TV station signed on as WRES-TV channel 18. With 1,000 watts of transmission power, this modest beginning marked the start of a remarkable journey.
1991: Becoming WBCC-TV 68
On October 9, 1991, the station underwent a transformation with new call letters and channel number: WBCC-TV 68. This change represented a significant step in our station's evolution.
1992: Power Upgrade
January 19, 1992 was a monumental day, as the station increased its broadcasting power to an impressive 60,000 watts. This boost allowed us to reach even more viewers across our region.
Mid-1990s: Pioneering Online Education with eBrevard
During the mid-1990s, our dedicated WBCC-TV staff played a vital role in facilitating Brevard Community College's expansion into Internet-based, online instruction. This initiative, known as eBrevard, marked our commitment to educational innovation.
2001: PBS Membership Approval
In May 2001, PBS granted approval for WBCC-TV's membership application. This milestone solidified our presence in the public broadcasting community, paving the way for future collaborations.
2002: The Beginning of PBS Programming
On January 1, 2002, WBCC-TV embarked on a new journey by airing a limited schedule of PBS programming, expanding our offerings to viewers.
2002: Preparing for Digital Conversion
In April 2002, we commenced renovations to facilitate the station's transition to digital broadcasting, ensuring that we could continue to deliver high-quality content to our audience.
2003: Going Digital
By April 30, 2003, WBCC-TV had successfully transitioned to digital broadcasting. Our broadcast signal extended its reach, spanning areas including Brevard, Lake, Sumter, Osceola, and Seminole counties. We also began broadcasting across the Orlando metropolitan area.
2011: Expanding PBS Service with UCF
June 2, 2011 marked a significant milestone as Brevard Community College and the University of Central Florida (UCF) announced a partnership. Effective July 1, 2011, this collaboration allowed WBCC-TV to provide full PBS service to Central Florida, including Orlando — one of the nation's largest television markets.
2012: Independence as WUCF
On November 15, 2012, WBCC took a transformative step and became an independent public television station after UCF acquired the Orlando-based station formerly known as WMFE. This station, rebranded as WUCF, became the primary PBS affiliate for the region.
2013: Reflecting Our College's Identity as WEFS-TV
Finally, on July 1, 2013, in alignment with Brevard Community College's name change to Eastern Florida State College, the station underwent its own transformation. It adopted the call letters WEFS, reflecting the new identity of our college. Today, WEFS continues to nurture partnerships with leading public television program distributors, such as American Public Television (APT) and the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA), enriching the viewing experience with unique entertainment offerings.