WPSU + WHYY: A CALL TO ACTION to Preserve a Central Pennsylvania Treasure
Together, we create those magic moments that expand minds, touch hearts, and feed curiosity.
More than 70 years ago, Penn State University helped launch public media. Don’t let it go dark now. Together, we can continue to create those magic moments that expand minds, touch hearts, and feed curiosity.
For generations, WPSU has carried Penn State’s land-grant mission beyond campus – delivering trusted journalism, children’s educational programming, cultural storytelling, and lifesaving emergency alerts to Central and Northern Pennsylvania.
Now, as Penn State refocuses on its core educational mission, WPSU faces an important crossroads. The financial challenges that have affected so many institutions have made it impossible for the University to continue supporting the station as it has.
Without action now, WPSU’s voice will be silenced.
But there’s good news: A Partnership to Protect Public Media
WHYY, the public media organization serving the Delaware Valley region including Southeastern PA, Southern New Jersey and Delaware, has stepped forward with a bold and compassionate vision: to acquire WPSU and help it continue as the independent, community-driven public media service our community deserves.
This is not a takeover — it’s a commitment to preservation. WHYY is working closely with the University and WPSU’s team to keep local programming, trusted voices, and community connections strong. The goal is simple: to keep WPSU vibrant, local, and on the air.
Through the survival and continued growth of WPSU, we are ensuring that local voices are heard, local stories are told, and that every resident has access to the informative and educational resources that define public media.
— Bill Marrazzo, President & CEO, WHYY
Why This Matters
Without this partnership, WPSU could face closure — a loss that would silence one of the region’s most vital sources of local journalism, educational programming, and cultural storytelling.
This proposed acquisition represents hope and continuity to help:
- Local news and storytelling remain rooted in Central & Northern Pennsylvania.
- Educational programming that continues to serve students, teachers, and lifelong learners.
- The amplification of community voices through trusted, non-commercial media.
- WPSU’s identity and independence stay intact, while benefiting from WHYY’s operational support and shared resources.
WPSU is more than a station.
- It’s literacy for a child.
- A trusted voice in uncertain times.
- A lifeline in rural communities.
Your Support Stays Local to Keep WPSU’s Voice Strong
Your generosity has always powered WPSU. Now, your continued support will help our station’s trusted local voice remain strong, independent, and right here in Central Pennsylvania. By taking action now, you join others committed to:
- Keeping WPSU’s local programming and trusted voices on the air now.
- Protecting our station’s independence and community focus.
Every dollar pledged to the acquisition goes exclusively to WPSU to support its current operations and role as the heart of public media in Central Pennsylvania. Your support today keeps WPSU strong.
Help WPSU remain the voice of your community, supported by WHYY’s shared commitment to keeping public media local, independent, and strong.
How You Can Help
Give to WPSU now! Begin or continue to support WPSU. Your gift now will directly support ongoing operations and position WPSU in the very best way to transfer operations to WHYY once the operation agreement is finalized and the FCC approves the transfer of the operating license.
Steps to take:
Visit wpsu.org/donate/pledge/ or email Jessica Peters, Director of Membership and Annual Gifts at jessica@psu.edu or phone WPSU Membership Services at 814-863-5635
For more information about the proposed acquisition, please email WPSU@whyy.org
