Penn State to close WPSU radio station

Penn State will shut down its public radio station, WPSU, after trustees voted against a proposal to transfer its operating assets to WHYY, a public media organization in Philadelphia.

WPSU has depended on annual subsidies of at least $3.4 million from the university to operate the station.

The university budgeted funds for WPSU to continue operations through the end of June.

Penn State officials said they proposed transferring the operating assets of WPSU to WHYY and provide a $17 million subsidy structured to decrease over five years, to give WHYY an opportunity to help WPSU reach a financial break-even point and continue broadcasting across central Pennsylvania.

“This was an incredibly difficult decision for trustees, as WPSU has long provided quality public broadcasting programming for communities throughout Central Pennsylvania,” board Chair David Kleppinger said. “We have worked with the administration to find the best path forward for the station and our people who work there.

“But, given the significant headwinds facing higher education and public media, we could not support the proposed transaction. We know this is a deeply disappointing outcome and we are grateful to the dedicated WPSU employees whose work has enriched our lives and made our community stronger.”

The acquisition would have required approval from WHYY’s board and the Federal Communications Commission.

It would have allowed WPSU to continue broadcasting, but most WPSU staff would have likely been laid off from Penn State, with some being offered positions by WHYY, according to the university.