Penn State’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved the material terms for a proposed transaction to transfer the assets of WPSU, central Pennsylvania’s public radio and television stations, to WHYY, a public media organization based in Greater Philadelphia. WPSU supports around 1.5 million citizens across Central Pennsylvania.

The board’s decision also authorizes the university to negotiate and execute definitive agreements to complete the transaction with WHYY. WHYY’s board of directors must also vote on the proposed purchase, and it must be approved by the Federal Communications Commission before it is finalized. 

This vote has come a month after the board originally voted down the offer to sell WPSU to WHYY, where the University would have to pay a $17 million subsidy over the next five years. The original decision would have meant that WPSU would have to shut down by the end of June 2026.

Under the new proposed transaction, the university would not have to pay the $17 million subsidy. Instead, WHYY will have a 30-day Exclusivity Period after the vote to seek financing commitments of at least $8.36 million.

About the Author

Ella Wehmeyer

Ella is an junior and Telecommunications major from Miami, FL serving as one of Onward State's visual editors. She enjoys taking photos, listening to all genres of music, and a good hockey game. If needed, you can contact her through email at elw5508@psu.edu or on Twitter @ellawehm

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