Some exciting changes are coming to Wisconsin Public Radio this spring. After more than two years of analysis, audience research and careful planning, WPR is reorganizing our statewide service to help you more easily find and enjoy the news and music programs you love.
Starting Monday, May 20, WPR’s two current networks — “NPR News & Music” and “The Ideas Network” — will be renamed and restructured as “WPR News” and “WPR Music.” The Ideas Network name will be retired and its staff and the majority of its programs will be folded into WPR News.
WPR News
With WPR reporters in eight local bureaus across the state — plus NPR and BBC national and global coverage — WPR News will offer an unparalleled mix of journalism from Wisconsin, the nation and the world all day, every day. Your favorite news and information programs, including “Morning Edition,” “All Things Considered,” “The Larry Meiller Show,” “Marketplace,” “1A,” “Science Friday,” “Fresh Air” and more will be on WPR News – find detailed schedules here.
“Wisconsin Today”: Your new destination for all things Wisconsin
Co-hosted by Kate Archer Kent and Rob Ferrett, “Wisconsin Today” will cover current and emerging issues with a decidedly Wisconsin point of view. Starting on May 20, “Wisconsin Today” will offer the latest news and culture each weekday morning at 9 a.m. and at wpr.org
WPR Music
WPR Music will offer an expanded, locally-hosted classical music schedule seven days a week with jazz, world and folk music each weekend. Beloved WPR hosts Stephanie Elkins, Norman Gilliland, Lori Skelton, Ruthanne Bessman, Dr. Jonathan Øverby and Sile Shigley will keep you company day and night with beautiful, expertly curated music and performances you can’t find anywhere else – find detailed schedules here.
You may need to reset your radio on May 20
All of WPR’s 38 stations will shift format to either WPR News or WPR Music. Most listeners will be able to hear both services where they live, but you may need to reset your radio to get the programs you want. In Milwaukee, where WPR only operates one station, WPR Music will replace The Ideas Network on 90.7 FM. Find new maps and a list of stations by city here.
Both networks and all WPR shows are available online.
WPR has a growing base of listeners who don’t own radios or who prefer to listen on their computers, mobile phones and smart speakers. All of your favorite programs on WPR News and WPR Music are available online at wpr.org, via the free WPR mobile app and on your smart speaker regardless of your location. When you listen online, you can hear “The Larry Meiller Show” in Milwaukee or anywhere in the state and you can hear “Chapter A Day” any time you want.
Find answers to your questions, learn more, share your feedback
This web portal will help answer any questions you may have about our new service. Please take a few moments to review the new station maps, schedules for WPR News and WPR Music, and FAQs section before contacting us. If you don’t find what you need here, or you just want to share your feedback, please email feedback@wpr.org or call 844-266-7724.
Join us at a local “Learn More Session”
WPR Director Sarah Ashworth will be holding eight “Learn More Sessions” around the state in late April and May. Stop by and say hello to Sarah, learn more about these changes and pick up some WPR swag. Find details and links for free registration here.
A bright future for WPR!
Adjusting to new habits can take time and we didn’t make these decisions lightly. Like others in public media, WPR saw some changes in broadcast and digital audience numbers during and after the pandemic. We want to make sure that the news, music, information and entertainment you rely on is available for decades to come and these changes will help make that possible.
WPR’s remarkable 100 year history was made possible by people who responded to changes in media and the needs of our state. All of us — listeners, supporters and staff — are stewards of WPR. With your help and support, we can ensure a bright future for WPR and Wisconsin.