Madison
Reporter
Wisconsin Public Radio is changing its lineup later this year
MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Public Radio is shifting how and when it offers news and music programs starting May 20th. That’s because, after listening to their audience, they found out people listen to the radio differently nowadays.
“Like drive time, that there would be, you know, morning commuter-listening and afternoon commuter-listening, and during COVID, that all went away,” Sarah Ashworth, Director of Radio said Tuesday.
According to Ashworth, the announcement Tuesday came after gathering public feedback since 2021 — 6,000 people submitted survey responses or attended focus groups.
“Fewer and fewer people own radios, it’s harder to buy one,” Ashworth said. “And you find that more people are listening on their phones or they’re pulling up the stream or on the website or through a smart speaker.”
“It got us thinking about realigning our networks, making it really clear to find news and talk when you want it, and really clear to find music content when you want it,” Ashworth said.
WPR will launch a new 9-am daily news and culture show called “Wisconsin Today” co-hosted by Kate Archer Kent and Rob Ferrett. The Larry Meiller Show will be extended to two hours a day, on WPR News.
“So the team that works on the new Wisconsin Today Show will also invest heavily in producing digital stories tied to that program,” Ashworth said.
WPR Music will feature expanded classical music service with a new afternoon classical music host. “You’ll be able to listen to classical music that comes out of Wisconsin studios, reflects life in Wisconsin,” Ashworth said.
Their show “The Idea Network” will be retired and the staff moved into WPR News.
“We are not planning any cuts or reduction in hours because of the schedule changes,” Ashworth said.
Wisconsin Public Radio is a publicly funded station. Ashworth says they are in a secure financial position. “The changes that we’re making are not in response to financial concerns.”
“But we don’t take that for granted, you know, and recognizing that we need to step up and make sure that we continue to really serve Wisconsin in order to keep that secure financial footing for the organization,” she said.
WPR is offering information sessions across the state for anyone who has questions about the change. There will be one in Madison at the Central Public Library on Thursday, April 25th. The event is free, though you’re asked to register online.
COPYRIGHT 2024 BY CHANNEL 3000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
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