The Federal Communications Commission recently renewed Youngstown State University’s license for 88.5 WYSU-FM through 2020. The FCC requires a renewal of this license every eight years.
The FCC regulates interstate and international media. According to its website, “The FCC’s goal is to make high-quality affordable communications services available to all Americans.”
WYSU was founded in October 1969. This fall, the radio station will celebrate its 44th anniversary.
Gary Sexton, WYSU’s director, said he is proud of the license renewal and of the station’s accomplishments.
“The station reaches more people on a weekly basis than any YSU unit,” he said.
Sexton said that renewing WYSU’s license provides the station with the opportunity to review its services and procedures.
“A licenses renewal is a validation from the FCC that we are doing what we are supposed to be doing, and it feels great. We wouldn’t be able to broadcast without a license renewal,” he said.
Sexton said his main goals for WYSU include representing YSU, reaching as many members of the region as possible and providing the audience with quality news, music and entertainment.
Tricia Perry, who worked at WHOT-FM and WKBN, is a new addition to the WYSU team. As the station’s new funding officer, she will focus on marketing and social media, as well as grant writing.
Perry said she is a bit of a news junkie.
“It’s an honor to work here. WYSU is unique in this community, and it is part of the culture, providing music, entertainment, commentary and news,” she said.
Perry said that with the license renewal, WYSU has a bright future.
“WYSU has a great legacy here. It is a charter NPR station, and has been serving Youngstown State and the Mahoning Valley for 44 years,” she said. “The renewal means that this will continue.”