Do they still have NPR shows? WMFE rebrands to Central Florida Public Media

Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial
Updated ·2 min read
Cheryn Stone hosts the "Engage" podcast on Central Florida Public Radio, 90.7 in Orlando and 89.5 in the Villages/Ocala.
Cheryn Stone hosts the "Engage" podcast on Central Florida Public Radio, 90.7 in Orlando and 89.5 in the Villages/Ocala.

THE VILLAGES — If you listen to public radio, you might notice some new stuff coming from WMFE-90.7 FM in Orlando and WMFE-89.5 FM in The Villages and Ocala — but not that much.

According to a news release, the station that oversees both bandwidths is rebranding and changing its name to Central Florida Public Media.

"The new name reflects the organization’s commitment to building on its 44 years of service to Central Florida, as well as a renewed focus on local journalism, as the only local, nonprofit news organization covering its nine-county region," the release said. The name change became effective April 3.

Central Florida Public Radio encompasses WMFE stations in Orlando and Ocala/The Villages. The station has a new website at www.cfpublic.org.
Central Florida Public Radio encompasses WMFE stations in Orlando and Ocala/The Villages. The station has a new website at www.cfpublic.org.

Judith Smelser, president and general manager of the station, has expressed that the change reflects an overarching need to clearly communicate who Central Florida Public Media is and what they do.

Why the change?

“Our new name speaks to our home and footprint in a clear, concise way; highlights our community funded nonprofit status; and takes us beyond our broadcast frequency to embrace our full range of multimedia offerings," she said in the release.

To go with the name change, the organization is introducing a new logo and tagline: a megaphone, representing the station's dedication to amplifying diverse voices and fostering open dialogue. The incorporation of a new blue and green color palette is intended to capture the essence of our area's landscape.

“Our name is changing, but our commitment to trustworthy, independent journalism, engaging programs and important community conversations is not,” added Smelser. “Our rebrand goes beyond the cosmetic; it reflects the growth and evolution of our mission.”

Central Florida Public Media has already started expanding its service with the launch of two new programs, "Engage" and "The Wrap" earlier this year.

The public can interact with Engage by email (Engage@wmfe.org), voicemail (407-273-2300 extension 246) or at cfpublic.org. The show has the launched on the Talkback app.

"Engage" brings people together for what the station describes as an "essential hour of trusted conversation, hosted by Cheryn Stone. The Wrap cherry picks the top Central Florida news stories of the week, hosted by Central Florida Public Media Assistant News Director Brendan Byrne.

Will they still host NPR programming?

The organization’s radio call letters will stay the same. Content offerings and programming formats will also remain unchanged, as well as the organization’s ownership, governance, leadership and staffing.

For more information, visit www.cfpublic.org.

.

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: What's new, what's the same at newly branded Central Fla. Public Radio