- Hi, I'm Sarah Ashworth,
the director of Wisconsin Public Radio.
And I'd like to share some exciting changes
that are coming to WPR.
We are reorganizing our networks so you can more easily find
and enjoy news and music on the radio and also at wpr.org.
Beginning May 20, we'll launch two new networks,
WPR News and WPR Music, replacing our current networks,
NPR News & Music and the Ideas Network.
Hosts and staff of The Ideas Network
and many of its programs
will move over to the WPR News network.
Before making these changes,
we spent more than two years gathering audience research,
analyzing data, and making plans.
Our WPR News network will offer an unparalleled mix
of journalism from Wisconsin, the nation, and the world.
We'll feature the work of our own reporters
from eight bureaus around the state,
and also the work of NPR and BBC journalists.
Weekday mornings, we'll bring you
a new local news and culture show called "Wisconsin Today."
Kate Archer Kent and Rob Ferrett will host,
and they'll come on the air
right after NPR's "Morning Edition."
And "The Larry Meiller Show" will expand
to two hours each weekday.
Our new WPR Music network offers an expanded,
locally-hosted classical music schedule
all day, seven days a week.
And you'll still hear jazz,
world, and folk music each weekend.
Each day, we'll bring you local voices
and beautiful, expertly curated, and inspiring music
to keep you company day and night.
Your favorite WPR classical hosts,
Stephanie Elkins, Norman Gilliland, Lori Skelton,
and Ruthanne Bessman will be there.
And so will Dr. Jonathan O:verby,
who hosts our award-winning world music program
"The Road to Higher Ground."
And Síle Shigely with "Simply Folk."
It's important to note
that all of WPR's 38 stations will shift format.
They'll become WPR News or WPR Music.
Around the state,
most of you will be able to hear both networks,
but you may need to reset your radio on May 20
to get the programs you want.
In Milwaukee, where we operate just one station,
WPR Music will be heard.
We didn't make these decisions lightly,
and I know adjusting to new habits takes time.
Like others in public media,
we've seen changes in our audience numbers
for broadcast and digital since the pandemic.
We want to make sure that our service stays strong
and that the news, the music, the information,
and the entertainment you rely on are available
for decades to come.
These changes help make that possible.
You can learn more about our new networks,
WPR News and WPR Music, on our website at wpr.org/new.
We've posted the new station maps, new schedules,
answers to frequently asked questions,
and information on how to share your feedback.
WPR is the oldest public radio station in the country.
We have a remarkable history of more than 100 years of service.
That's only been possible because colleagues,
past and present,
responded to changes in media and the needs of our state.
All of us-- listeners, members, hosts, journalists, and staff--
are stewards of Wisconsin Public Radio.
With your help and support,
we can ensure a bright future for WPR and the state.
Thank you for listening, and hope you'll tune in on May 20!