The WPSU Board of Representatives is an advisory board of community members that gather on a regular basis to advise the station on programming and other activities. In this blog post series, WPSU Board Member Spotlight, we sit down with these individuals and discuss their love of public broadcasting and its impact in the communities throughout the viewing area.
Sara Songer was born and grew up in Bedford, Pennsylvania. After a year at Harrisburg Hospital School of Nursing, Sara came to Penn State and has been here ever since. She met her husband, Tom, a civil engineering student, 56 years ago, and the rest is history. Sara was here when what is now WPSU was still know as WDFM, an FM station with student broadcasters. Sara watched WDFM become WPSX, then add TV broadcasting and become WPSU. And now, Sara is here as the world moves forward into streaming media services.
How long have you been on a board member with WPSU?
I have been on the Board for Outreach since it was the Board for Continuing Education, Penn State World Campus, etc. I watched Penn State move into Outreach.
What inspired you to begin volunteering at WPSU?
I have heard and watched our local broadcasting for many years, as have my children and grandchildren. It was my turn to add my input based on my past experience and knowledge base.
What WPSU programming do you connect with the most?
WPSU radio, FM-1 or FM-2, is always on when I am driving about town. This is where I get my current news, hear opinions, and listen to conversations with people who are experts in their fields. I loved it when I found out that I could get PBS Newshour at 6:00 p.m. on WPSU FM-2. That is often when my dog, Miss Sunshine, and I are coming back from our time at the dog park. Sometimes, we just drive around and listen to the news.
How do you see WPSU positively impacting the communities throughout Central Pennsylvania?
WPSU provides educational opportunities for children, both to young children at home (thank you Mr. Rogers) and students unable to attend the physical school (virtual field trips). Local news and programing has been increasing, which is much appreciated by our community members.
What do you wish people knew about WPSU?
I wish people knew about our digital studios and Passport programming.