TAMPA — The University of South Florida announced it will cease operation of its television stations in October after it sold its broadcast license to the Federal Communications Commission, relinquishing its rights to the airwaves.

WUSF-TV will continue operating until Sunday, Oct. 15, at which point some of its programming with shift over to WEDU's television station. The shutdown won't affect WUSF's radio offerings, including National Public Radio and jazz programs on FM frequencies 89.1, 89.7 and 103.9.

USF sold its broadcasting license for $18.7 million. The FCC bought the rights from the university to its portion of the radio spectrum to then auction off to commercial wireless service providers.

"The University of South Florida considered this choice seriously before deciding on a course of action," the university said in a news release. "USF is emerging as a top tier public research university in the southeastern region of the United States, and is aligning resources to closely fit its mission and focus. The proceeds from the sale of WUSF-TV will further advance USF's initiatives."

The sale eliminated about 15 positions, though employees knew this was coming and some have found work elsewhere. Six people were told Friday they'll be laid off after WUSF-TV's final broadcast.