Wednesday in Dayton, Antioch College officials announced a deal allowing public radio station WYSO to become independent.
As part of the agreement, WYSO, with Antioch College, has so far raised almost $3.5 million. Officials say the funds will reimburse Antioch for its investment in the station’s broadcast license and operations.
Antioch College president Tom Manley says independence was part of the original vision for WYSO when it started as a student-run station more than 60 years ago.
"Now, we feel it's time for WYSO to be able to stand on its own, to pursue its distinctive mission and vision and for the college to do the same. While this is a separation, it will also allow the college to have a clearer field for concentrating and building on its vision to be a new kind of American college," he says.
Under the terms of the deal, WYSO will establish a separate nonprofit organization to become community-owned.
The agreement is still in the works. It could take several months before it’s complete.
