FCC Approves WHYY's Acquisition of Penn State's WPSU Stations
On Thursday, September 10, the FCC granted permission for the broadcast licenses of WPSU to be transferred from Penn State University to WHYY Philadelphia (90.9), an affiliate of NPR. This approval represents a significant regulatory step in maintaining public media services for approximately 1.5 million residents in central and northern Pennsylvania, where WPSU operates. Under the WPSU name, WHYY intends to prioritize local journalism and community involvement. Bill Marrazzo, President of WHYY, described the decision as "an extraordinarily important moment for public media." With plans to close the station in 2025, Penn State's agreement with WHYY aims to ensure the continuity of operations. For over 70 years, WPSU has delivered PBS and NPR content to the region.
Key facts
- The FCC approved the transfer of WPSU's broadcast licenses from Penn State University to WHYY Philadelphia.
- The decision was announced on Thursday, September 10.
- WPSU's radio and TV operations serve about 1.5 million residents in central and northern Pennsylvania.
- WHYY will operate the stations under the WPSU name and call letters after the deal closes.
- The stations will continue focusing on local journalism, educational programming, cultural programming, community engagement, and local storytelling.
- The transaction follows nearly two years of planning and negotiations between WHYY and Penn State.
- Penn State had planned to wind down WPSU in 2025 due to financial constraints.
- WPSU has operated for more than 70 years, providing PBS and NPR programming.
Entities
Artists
- Bill Marrazzo
- Larry Terry
Institutions
- Federal Communications Commission
- Penn State University
- WHYY
- NPR
- PBS
Locations
- Philadelphia
- United States
- Pennsylvania