Lehigh University sells WLVR radio license to Lehigh Valley Public Media
Lehigh transfers WLVR broadcast license to longtime partner Lehigh Valley Public Media as student media shifts to digital-first formats.
Radio station WLVR is getting a new owner.
Lehigh University announced Thursday that has entered into an agreement to sell the broadcast license for 91.3 WLVR-FM to its long-standing partner Lehigh Valley Public Media.
In 2019, LVPM took over WLVR under the supervision and control of Lehigh University, converting 91.3 FM into a multi-channel HD broadcast station.
While Lehigh University has operated the HD-2 signal for a student-run station during this period, the university has observed a sustained shift in student engagement away from traditional broadcast radio and toward on-demand, digital-first media.
The university said the agreement signals the shift in student learning outcomes related to digital content creation.
“Lehigh’s collaboration with Lehigh Valley Public Media has provided students with valuable professional experiences and enriched our community with essential local news,” said Nathan Urban, provost and senior vice president of academic affairs. “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.”
Hasanna Birdsong, president & CEO of Lehigh Valley Public Media, commented on the sale.
“We value the relationship we’ve had with Lehigh University to operate WLVR and the talented students who have contributed through our internship program,” said Birdsong. “We remain supportive of opportunities that help students gain meaningful real-world media experience through our multimedia platforms.”
The ownership transition is pending regulatory approval from the Federal Communications Commission.