University of Wisconsin Professors Edward Bennett and Earle M. Terry founded WPR’s predecessor, 9XM. The station, which became WHA, began broadcasting information to the public in 1917 and launched an institution committed to sharing the educational resources of the university with the state’s residents.
Today, WPR’s news, music, conversation and entertainment programs inform, inspire and build communities throughout Wisconsin and around the world on two networks — WPR News and WPR Music — and 39 stations. Our commitment to the highest standards of news and cultural content reflects our belief that people and communities thrive with an open exchange of ideas and information. Find all the ways to listen here.
NOTE: Looking for details about the network changes we made in 2024? Find archived information here.
Read our land acknowledgment statement.
Two Networks – On Air And Online
WPR News
With WPR reporters in eight local bureaus across the state — plus NPR and BBC national and global coverage — WPR News offers an unparalleled mix of journalism from Wisconsin, the nation and the world all day, every day.
WPR Music
WPR Music offers locally-hosted classical music seven days a week with jazz, world and folk music each weekend. Along with the outstanding music, listeners can stay informed with brief, top-of-the-hour newscasts from NPR and WPR on weekdays.
Local Presence, Statewide Service
Reporters and locally hosted programs build statewide connections and strengthen communities from bureaus in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Wausau, La Crosse, Eau Claire and Superior. Our 39 stations reach approximately 330,000 Wisconsin listeners every week.