Penn State approves deal to save WPSU, transfer assets to Philly-based organization

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (WTAJ) — A new deal to help save Penn State’s public radio and television station has been approved following a Board of Trustees vote Monday.

According to the trustees, they approved the material terms of a proposed transaction that would allow the university to transfer the operating assets of WPSU to WHYY, a Philadelphia-based media organization. The deal authorizes Penn State to negotiate and execute a transaction with WHYY. The proposed plan is subject to approval by WHYY’s board and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) before it can be finalized.

“We know what WPSU means to its listeners and viewers and the vital role public radio and television plays in Central Pennsylvania,” Senior Vice President for Finance and Business/Treasurer Sara Thorndike said. “So, we continued to explore opportunities with WHYY with the goal of keeping WPSU operational while reducing the University’s financial commitment to the station.

The proposed deal will not require Penn State to pay a $17 million subsidy, but WHYY will instead have a 30-day “Exclusivity Period” after the vote to find a minimum of $8.36 million in financing commitments. “Both parties must agree in writing to extend the Exclusivity Period,” the trustees noted.

“This is a preferred outcome to what was presented previously, and we want to extend our gratitude to WHYY’s leadership and team for their collaboration and shared commitment to ensuring that WPSU continues to serve the people of Central Pennsylvania,” Chair of the PSU Board of Trustees David Kleppinger said.

Greg Petersen, immediate past chair of the WPSU Board of Representatives, said the proposed deal is “a much better outcome” than what they had a month ago. He also thinks the community’s public outcry of support played a role in the decision.

“I think there was enough public outcry that the university said, ‘Well, maybe we should take another look at this,’ which is uncharacteristic of the board,” Petersen said.

Although the deal is not set in stone at this time, Petersen is still hopeful for the future.

“Things have to be done. Things have to be raised. There’s a lot of work to be done, but I think we all want to roll up our sleeves and make it happen,” he said.

Thorndike said the sale is expected to close “by June 30, 2026.”