Wisconsin Public Radio has announced it will sunset four programs and notified 15 employees of impending layoffs.
WPR’s budget has experienced a deficit in recent years, and public radio nationally is facing pressures around state and federal funding. Specifically, Congress has been moving toward rescinding $1.1 billion in funds already allocated for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. CPB distributes money to local stations nationwide. About 4 percent of WPR’s budget comes from that federal source.
WPR will end production of the nationally distributed programs, To The Best Of Our Knowledge, BETA, and Zorba Paster On Your Health and the statewide program, University of the Air.
“We’re saddened to say goodbye to these valued colleagues and shows that have been an important part of our recent history,” said Sarah Ashworth, WPR director. “This is a difficult decision and WPR must prioritize its capacity to provide what no other media outlet can: unique Wisconsin content from a decidedly Wisconsin point of view. A focus on creating Wisconsin content for Wisconsin audiences is our obligation to – and our richest opportunity for – public service.”
No information was provided about future programming or how WPR will fill the air time.
WPR has 39 stations including in Sister Bay, Green Bay, Oshkosh and Sheboygan.
