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Is anyone else upset by the news that WPSU's TV and radio will "cease operations next year?" This decision comes after government cuts to funding public TV and radio, and a decision by Penn State's Board of Trustees' Finance and Investment Committee.
The university had considered transferring ownership and assets of WPSU to WHYY, a public media organization based in Philadelphia. But apparently this was not a viable alternative in the board's view. Board Chair David Kleppinger's comment that "this is a deeply disappointing outcome" is an understatement. We, and many millions of others in our area, rely on WPSU for a wide variety of programming.
In particular, I enjoy the British programming, Ken Burns' specials, and other historical offerings on TV. And, programs too numerous to mention on NPR, which I listen to during my daily commute. To turn on my TV or my radio and get only static is a tear in the fabric of our media choices which will now be impoverished beyond description.
I understand the financial challenges facing all of us these days, and I am not a Penn State graduate, but I would urge those of you who are to express your outrage to the Board of Trustees. And the stations themselves need to hear from their audience directly. Surely funds can be found to continue to support WPSU, which Chairman Kleppinger noted "has long provided quality public broadcasting programming for communities throughout central Pennsylvania."
This will be an absolute loss to our community.
Karen Watt
Altoona