FCC okays sale of WDUQ-FM to Essential Public Media

The Federal Communications Commission has approved the sale of WDUQ-FM (90.5), which allows the license to be transferred from Duquesne University to Essential Public Media, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. In its ruling Thursday (Aug. 3), the FCC acknowledged objections to the deal, many concerning the format change from jazz to news. "Although the commission recognizes that WDUQ's program has attracted a devoted listenership," it said, "it is well-settled policy that the commission does not scrutinize or regulate programming, nor does it take potential changes in programming formats into consideration in reviewing assignment applications." The sale is expected to be completed within the next 30 days. The station's new call letters also may be announced during that time.