Arts and Entertainment

WPSU-FM joins statewide initiative to explore urban decline

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – WPSU-FM is connecting with public media stations across Pennsylvania to form a local reporting collaboration called "Keystone Crossroads."

The two-year, $1.5 million grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting will fund four reporters and an editor to explore urban decline and solutions in Pennsylvania, examining topics such as aging infrastructure, immigration, local government, neighborhood life, poverty and tax policy. One of these reporters will be housed at WPSU, starting in the spring.

"Keystone Crossroads" aims to offer connected, statewide reporting on urban challenges in the Keystone State, while also exploring issues of national interest and importance. The initiative will use comprehensive, data-driven, multimedia reporting from staff based at lead station WHYY in Philadelphia, reporters at partner stations and freelance journalists.

"WPSU is excited to be a part of this collaborative effort exploring the challenges and opportunities faced by Pennsylvania's cities and towns. 'Keystone Crossroads' will highlight the impacts of public policy and help listeners better understand the unique situations of communities nearby and across the state,” said Emily Reddy, news director and producer for WPSU-FM.

"Keystone Crossroads" will launch in early 2014. Its multimedia reports will be found online, on air and through media partners of the participating public media outlets. WHYY in Philadelphia heads the collaboration as lead station. Partner stations include WESA in Pittsburgh and WITF in Harrisburg. Pittsburgh’s WQED joins the collaboration as associate partner.

Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

Last Updated January 17, 2014

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