—First-of-its-Kind Lawsuit Seeks Court Clarity on Donor Rights and Foundation Independence—
The WSRE Foundation has filed a groundbreaking lawsuit against Pensacola State College, marking the first legal action of its kind in Florida as the foundation board fights to protect donor interests and preserve public media in Northwest Florida.
Standing Up for Donors
Amy Day, speaking on this week’s “(We Don’t) Color on the Dog” podcast, explained the foundation’s decision to pursue legal action. “This isn’t personal; it’s not malicious or anything like that,” Day said. “What it is, is it’s of service to our donors and to our community to be able to get a clear answer because honestly, we just disagree with what’s being asked of us.”
The lawsuit comes after PSC decertified the WSRE Foundation as a direct support organization and demanded that the foundation honor its previously agreed-upon budget and continue funding station operations.
Day outlined the fundamental contradiction facing the foundation: “When they decertified us as a direct support organization of the college, so what exactly does that mean? You don’t want us to be, you want us, but you don’t want us, or you want us, but you just don’t want us, but you just want our money.”
Community Support Remains Strong
The foundation’s position has been bolstered by overwhelming community support demonstrated through a successful summer fundraising drive. “I would not be in this position and holding the line like I am, if I hadn’t heard so loudly from our community that they need someone to stand up,” Day emphasized.
The foundation board unanimously decided to seek court intervention to determine whether PSC’s demands constitute an overreach and to clarify what relationship, if any, should exist going forward.
Day encouraged community members to stay engaged: “Keep talking about it. As you see media, share the media—that is so important.” The foundation continues accepting donations and remains committed to protecting both donors and public media’s future in the region.
“This is not the end of the WSRE Foundation, and it’s not the end of public media in this area,” Day affirmed, “and we are going to ensure that because of people like you.”
