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The WLRN offices in downtown Miami.<\/p>\n
A dispute that raised questions about the future of South Florida\u2019s NPR station<\/a>, WLRN, has been resolved.<\/p>\n South Florida Public Media Group, which manages WLRN, and Miami-Dade County Public Schools, which holds the station\u2019s broadcasting license, announced the settlement on Wednesday after the school board approved the deal without discussion.<\/p>\n \u201cBoth parties are dedicated to ensuring that the integrity, quality, and goodwill of WLRN remain strong for our community,\u201d the two entities said in a joint statement. \u201cOur joint priority is to protect the employees and resources that support the high-quality journalism and programming that make WLRN a community treasure.\u201d<\/p>\n The settlement will allow South Florida Public Media Group to move forward with a $6.5 million deal to acquire a radio station in West Palm Beach, WFLM \u201cThe Flame,\u201d expanding its reach into Palm Beach and Martin counties. The school board had sued WLRN\u2019s management company in September<\/a>, saying the purchase violated a contract with the district and diverted funds to a station that would compete with WLRN for listeners.<\/p>\n Under the deal finalized Wednesday, South Florida Public Media Group will transfer the West Palm Beach station to the school board. A management agreement between South Florida Public Media Group and the school board that was set to expire in June 2027 will be extended for seven years.<\/p>\n The agreement also brings a leadership shakeup to WLRN. Tom Hudson, the station\u2019s senior economics correspondent, was appointed as South Florida Public Media Group\u2019s interim CEO, replacing John LaBonia.<\/p>\n Richard Rampell, the former board chair for WLRN\u2019s management company, resigned last month<\/a>.<\/p>\n Rampell had sparred with school district officials and accused the district of trying to exert undue influence over WLRN\u2019s operations. Some of his inflammatory remarks prompted WLRN staff to send a letter to management expressing fear that the dispute could jeopardize the station\u2019s future.<\/p>\n In his resignation letter, Rampell accused the school board of seeking a settlement that would \u201cemasculate our journalistic independence and steal our money.\u201d He cited a proposal by the school board to give the district a second seat on South Florida Public Media Group\u2019s board, as well as more say in the appointment of the station\u2019s CEO and greater oversight of WLRN\u2019s spending.<\/p>\n Representatives for the school district did not immediately provide the Miami Herald with a copy of the finalized settlement agreement.<\/p>\n In their joint statement Wednesday, the district and the station struck a conciliatory tone.<\/p>\n \u201cAs we move forward together, we remain focused on maintaining the excellence the public expects from WLRN,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n