WHYY has appointed Harrisburg programming executive Fred Vigeant as WPSU’s new general manager, according to Radio Ink

The Philadelphia-based public media outlet WHYY took control of WPSU on October 1. The FCC approved the transfer in September after Penn State said it could no longer afford to operate the station and planned to shut down WPSU by June 30.

“Fred understands both the work of public media and the responsibility that comes with leading a station its community trusts,” Bill Marrazzo, president and CEO of WHYY Philadelphia, said.

“His experience in programming, production and audience engagement will help WPSU build on its strengths and deepen its service to the region. He will lead a team whose knowledge, relationships and commitment have made WPSU an essential part of community life for decades.”

Vigeant comes from Harrisburg’s WITF, where he has served as vice president and chief audience officer since 2022, overseeing programming and production. He also served as director of programming and production for WITF television and radio.

Before WITF, Vigeant spent 12 years as a program director and operations manager in Oswego, New York, at WRVO.

Vigeant will start on October 26 and oversee radio and television operations across central Pennsylvania.

“I’m excited to join WPSU at an important moment in its 73-year history and to build on its strong tradition of public service. This opportunity is especially meaningful to me because it brings together so much of what I value about public media – journalism, education, local storytelling and meaningful connections with the community,” Vigeant said in a statement.

“WPSU’s strength comes from its connection to the people and communities it serves. I look forward to listening, learning, and working with the WPSU team, our colleagues at WHYY, and communities throughout the region to shape WPSU’s next chapter.”

As part of the agreement with WHYY, WPSU will keep its name and call sign and remain run in central Pennsylvania. All former WPSU employees were also given the chance to interview for potential roles at the station, according to Penn State Senior Vice President for Finance and Business and Treasurer Sara Thorndike.

WPSU began as a radio station in 1953 and added television service in 1965.