WUSF radio operations to continue
TAMPA, Fla. (August 11, 2017) WUSF Public Media will end broadcasting its television channel at the end of Sunday, October 15, following the recent sale of the WUSF TV broadcast license in the Federal Communications Commission Spectrum Incentive Auction.
Importantly, this change only affects television broadcasting, and does not affect WUSFradio stations, which will continue broadcasting. For more information about the change in television, please see our website here, and for updates about specific TV programs, please see our TV FAQ on WUSF.org.
“WUSF TV’s high-quality programming will continue through the final sign-off date,” said WUSF General Manager JoAnn Urofsky. “Going forward, our focus will be on providing greater opportunities for USF students to engage with media and technology in the WUSF studios, and on our highly successful radio stations that are attracting record audiences. There is a clear demand for accurate news and quality entertainment, and we will continue to provide that for the community and the University of South Florida.”
In addition to WUSF TV, WUSF Public Media operates the region’s NPR station, WUSF 89.7 and Classical WSMR 89.1 and 103.9. WUSF also produces highly successful community events such as the Longest Table dinner in St. Petersburg, and special productions such as the upcoming Snap Judgment live performance coming this September 29 to the Tampa Theatre.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
The Federal Communications Commission recently held a spectrum auction to help improve and expand wireless services across the country to meet the ever-increasing needs of American consumers for faster, higher capacity mobile broadband services. In the auction, TV broadcasters could voluntarily give up their current broadcast channel in exchange for a share of the proceeds from an auction of their channel to commercial wireless service providers to expand mobile broadband services.
The University of South Florida considered this choice seriously before deciding on a course of action. USF is emerging as a top tier public research university in the southeastern region of the United States, and is aligning resources to closely fit its mission and focus. The proceeds from the sale of WUSF TV will further advance USF’s initiatives.
We will continue to operate WUSF TV until Sunday, October 15, 2017. We hope you will continue to support us while enjoying your favorite programs.
We also want you to know that WUSF 89.7, your NPR station, will continue as an outstanding resource for Tampa Bay and Sarasota, along with Classical WSMR 89.1 and 103.9. WUSF Public Media is also a provider of many other unique news, entertainment and safety services. As a donor-supported service of the University of South Florida, we are grateful for your continued support for WUSF Public Media.
- Where can I find my shows?
- Our colleagues at WEDU television are planning to offer the Create and PBS Kids channels. They’re also planning to broadcast some of the programs you enjoyed on WUSF TV. For further information, we suggest consulting their website at www.wedu.org.
- Is everything going away?
- This only affects television. WUSF TV and its four channels will permanently sign off on Sunday, October 15, 2017. The radio stations, WUSF 89.7 and Classical WSMR will remain on the air.
- Will it ever come back?
- WUSF Public Media will still produce video, guide students in media and technology and broadcast on WUSF 89.7 radio and Classical WSMR, but the TV station will stop broadcasting.
- Are all the channels going away?
- All four of WUSF TV’s channels will sign off at the same time on Sunday, October 15.
- Who made the decision to sell the TV station?
- The television broadcast license is held by the USF Board of Trustees, which authorized the sale of the TV broadcast license.
- How much money was the station sold for?
- $18.7 million.
- What are you going to do with the money from the sale of the TV station?
- Funds from the sale of the license are going to the owner of the broadcast license, the University of South Florida, which will use those funds to further advance USF’s initiatives. The WUSF staff will be part of guiding students in media and technology in the WUSF studios.
- Why do you need my money?
- WUSF Public Media still operates WUSF 89.7 and Classical WSMR 89.1 and 103.9. Those radio stations are listener-supported community treasures. They rely on contributions from the audience to purchase programming and operate the stations.
- Why are you still raising money for TV?
- The last pledge drive for WUSF TV was in December 2016. Telemarketing solicitations also ceased in December 2016. The final renewal mailing was occurred in January 2017. WUSF TV will stop collecting payments for pledges in September. We’re grateful to the people who chose to continue their memberships until WUSF TV signs off.
- I’m still a member of WUSF TV. How can I transfer my membership to support the radio stations WUSF 89.7 and Classical WSMR?
- We can help you do that when you call 1-888-724-0110 and ask to transfer your membership.
- How can I end my sustaining membership or transfer it to support the radio stations?
- TV sustaining membership payments are scheduled to stop after the WUSF TV sign off date of October 15, 2017. If you are interested in transferring your support to our public radio stations, WUSF 89.7 or Classical WSMR, please call 1-888-724-0110. We would be delighted to help.
- What will happen to the studios?
- The studios will continue to be used for student education and production. The staff of WUSF Public Media is committed to student success and will be able to involve even more students in video production and technology.
- How can I contact WEDU?
- You can find WEDU online at www.wedu.org or call 813-254-9338.