Wisconsin Public Radio Network Lineup Changes Start Monday May 20

(Madison, Wis.)  The program lineups and broadcast networks of Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) will shift on Monday, May 20, as WPR previously announced on April 9.

Beginning May 20, WPR’s two current networks – “NPR News & Music” and “The Ideas Network” – will become “WPR News” and “WPR Music.” The Ideas Network name will be retired and its staff and many of its programs will be part of WPR News.  Full details on the changes, and the research and reasoning behind them, are at wpr.org/new

The programming shift on May 20 is the culmination of over two years of analysis, audience research and planning, and the reorganizing of its statewide service will help listeners more easily find and enjoy news and music both on the radio and through online services, including wpr.org, WPR’s smartphone app, and smart speakers.

All of WPR’s 38 stations will shift format to either WPR News or WPR Music. Many hosts and programs listeners know will remain on the service, although perhaps at different times and on a different radio frequency.

WPR’s “The Larry Meiller Show” will be expanded to 2 hours each weekday on WPR News stations, and “Chapter A Day” will air on each network. Current morning host Kate Archer Kent and afternoon host Rob Ferrett will join forces on a new daily program “Wisconsin Today” that will serve as the state hub for Wisconsin coverage. NPR programs including “Morning Edition, “All Things Considered,” “Fresh Air,” “Marketplace” and many others will continue to be heard on WPR News.

WPR Music will offer an expanded, Wisconsin-hosted classical music schedule seven days a week, and will continue to offer jazz, world and folk music each weekend. Beloved WPR classical hosts Stephanie Elkins, Norman Gilliland, Lori Skelton and Ruthanne Bessman are all part of the new service, as are Dr. Jonathan Øverby, host of the award-winning world music program “The Road to Higher Ground,” and Sile Shigely, host of “Simply Folk.”

WPR Director Sarah Ashworth said “We have heard from Milwaukee listeners for years that they want us to bring classical music radio back to the city and this will do just that. We think they will love what they hear.”  WPR Music on 90.7 FM will be the first full-time classical music station in Milwaukee since the commercial station WFMR changed formats in 2007.

“WPR’s remarkable 107-year history was made possible by people in the past who responded to changes in media and the needs of our state,” said Ashworth.. “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.”

Audiences can email feedback@wpr.org or call 844-266-7724 to ask questions, get help finding their favorite programs, and share comments.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.