Wisconsin Public Radio Set To Change the Dial, Reorganize Networks
all 38 WPR stations set to change to either WPR News or WPR Music
Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) is set to shift their current networks from “NPR News & Music” and “The Ideas Network” to “WPR News” and "WPR Music” on May 20, reorganizing the entire statewide service.
According to WPR, the shift to these networks aims to help organize and streamline news and music for Wisconsin listeners. The change follows a two-year statewide study conducted by WPR.
Most current shows on WPR will continue airing, though are likely to shift timeslots to fit the new network’s schedules. However, national programs 1A Plus, As It Happens, Q, and Milk Street Radio will no longer be heard on WPR. Regional programs Route 51, Simply Superior, and Newsmakers will also end.
The Morning Show and Central Time will be ending as well so hosts Kate Archer Kent and Rob Ferrett can focus on a new program, Wisconsin Today.
One of the new networks, “WPR Music,” will offer classical music seven days a week along with jazz, world, and folk music. “WPR News” will share news from reporters in eight bureaus around Wisconsin, as well as news from NPR and BBC to cover global events.
In the Chippewa Valley, WHWC-FM (88.3) will be part of the “WPR News” network, while WUEC-FM (89.7) and WVSS-FM (90.7) will be part of “WPR Music.” According to WPR, no full-time or part-time staff have been laid off as a result of the schedule changes.
According to WPR, no full-time or part-time staff have been laid off as a result of the schedule changes.
“All of us – hosts, reporters, producers, and staff – are stewards of WPR today. We take that responsibility to heart and with these changes, we can ensure a bright future for WPR and continue our service to the people of Wisconsin,” WPR director Sarah Ashworth said.
To learn more about the switch or tune into a WPR station go to wpr.org. To find the new station maps and schedules after the shift go to wpr.org/new.
