Penn State approves plan to transfer WPSU operations
UNIVERSITY PARK — After months of uncertainty surrounding the future of WPSU, Penn State’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Monday to approve a revised proposal that will transfer the station’s operating assets to WHYY, the public media organization based in Philadelphia.
The decision marks a significant turning point for the long-standing Central Pennsylvania broadcaster, ensuring it continues to serve the community under a new structure.
The vote came after the board voted down the original offer to sell WPSU to WHYY. That decision meant WPSU would cease operations by next summer – resulting in public outcry.
Board Chair David Kleppinger opened the meeting by acknowledging the gravity of the moment and the overwhelming public concern that surrounded earlier deliberations.
“We have received over 1,300 public comments and emails regarding WPSU,” he said. “The overwhelming majority urged the university to reconsider winding down WPSU’s operations or to find a way for it to continue under a public broadcasting organization.”
The original proposal to sell WPSU to WHYY was rejected in July after trustees raised concerns about a $17 million university subsidy over five years. On Monday, administrators presented a revised version that eliminates the need for Penn State funding. Instead, WHYY has agreed to independently raise $17 million over a five-year period through its own fundraising efforts to sustain WPSU operations. Senior Vice President for Finance and Business Sara Thorndike said, “They will continue to make every effort to raise money, at least for the first two years, which they have estimated to be $8.36 million.”
Thorndike outlined the updated terms, emphasizing that WHYY will take on WPSU’s liabilities and guarantee continued operations for at least three years.
“They have indicated a desire to keep it going much longer than that,” Thorndike said. “They will continue to operate WPSU for at least three years and will also interview and hire qualified employees who wish to transition.”
Under the agreement, WHYY will also lease WPSU’s existing facilities near the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, maintaining close proximity to Penn State students and faculty. The deal includes assurances that internship, work-study and other student learning opportunities will continue. FCC approval will be required before the sale is finalized, with a target closing date of no later than June 30, 2026.
Trustees praised the revised proposal as a “win-win-win” outcome for both the university, the region and those employed at WPSU. Trustee Mary Lee Schneider praised the effort, noting that WPSU’s funding model — which is primarily supported by tuition dollars — could no longer continue.
“I’m just thrilled that we are in this place. I think this is a great outcome,” she said. “92% of [WPSU] funding comes from tuition dollars, which is something that is increasingly unsustainable.”
When the final vote was called, no trustees opposed. Kleppinger closed the meeting by thanking the administration, WHYY and WPSU’s employees for their perseverance through a challenging process.
“This is the preferred outcome to what was presented previously,” Kleppinger said. “We are grateful to WHYY for their collaboration and shared commitment to ensuring that WPSU continues to serve the people of Central Pennsylvania with the exceptional public service media that we have become accustomed to and to the dedicated employees of WPSU whose work has enriched our lives and strengthened our community.”
