BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Lehigh University announced Thursday that it will sell its broadcast license for radio station 91.3 WLVR-FM to longstanding partner Lehigh Valley Public Media.
The agreement, which was filed Thursday with the Federal Communications Commission, which would have to approve it, signals a "shift in student learning outcomes related to digital content creation," Lehigh said in a release.
“Lehigh’s collaboration with Lehigh Valley Public Media has provided students with valuable professional experiences and enriched our community with essential local news,” Lehigh Provost Nathan Urban said.
“As we move forward, we are excited to evolve this partnership to focus on the next generation of content creation.
"Our priority is ensuring that Lehigh students graduate equipped with the advanced digital fluency, AI-readiness, and multimedia skills necessary to lead and succeed in a rapidly transforming media landscape.”
On Nov. 1, 2019, LVPM launched the collaboration with Lehigh University designed to boost programming offered through WLVR-FM, broadcasting on 91.3 FM.
LVPM assumed management and operations of WLVR under Lehigh's supervision and converted 91.3 FM into a multi-channel HD broadcast station.
LVPM broadcast its radio program on the HD-1 channel, offering National Public Radio programming and local news it generated.
The Lehigh Valley until then had no dedicated full-service news radio station.
Meanwhile, a student-run station was broadcast on Lehigh’s HD-2 radio channel.
Lehigh said in the release that during that time, it "has observed a sustained shift in student engagement away from traditional broadcast radio and toward on-demand, digital-first media."
LVPM Chief Executive Officer Hasanna Birdsong said in a release that “We value the relationship we’ve had with Lehigh University to operate WLVR and the talented students who have contributed through our internship program.”
“We remain supportive of opportunities that help students gain meaningful real-world media experience through our multimedia platforms.”
Birdsong said WLVR continues to broadcast for now.
"We are evaluating what best serves the region and makes the most efficient use of public media resources," she said.
"Given our longstanding partnership operating the station, LVPM is the logical license holder while the future use is determined."
