WPR makes changes in weekend lineup

Weekends are about to get a little more creative for listeners to Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR). Beginning today, WPR will introduce some changes to its weekend schedule. They include two new programs and new times for some old favorites on WPR’s News & Classical Music stations and regular slots for two of public radio’s most innovative and popular programs on WPR’s Ideas Network stations.

“We’re always evaluating our programs and schedule to make sure we’re providing the best possible programs for our listeners,” noted Mike Arnold, WPR’s Associate Director and Direct of Content. “The weekend schedule changes add some new programs and gives some of our established shows a chance to try different things,” he added.

Listeners to WPR’s News & Classical Music stations will enjoy two new music programs and have the opportunity to hear some of WPR’s most popular programs at new times. NPR’s Weekend Edition will continue to be heard for two hours at 7 a.m., but on Saturday it will be followed by a special edited version of Michael Feldman’s Whad’Ya Know? called the Whad’Ya Know? Radio Hour at 9 a.m.

“The Whad’Ya Know Radio Hour presents a different version of the program than you hear on the Ideas Network,” Arnold said. Designed to pair with NPR’s Weekend Edition, it allows for NPR news updates and more local information about weather and local events. “We’ve been creating this version for stations across the country for years now, and we believe it will be a good fit for Saturdays on our News & Classical Music stations,” he said.

To the Best of Our Knowledge, WPR’s Peabody Award—winning program of interviews and ideas, gets additional airtime on the weekends. The program will air on Saturdays and Sundays at 6 a.m. and then again at 9 a.m. on Sundays. “Having that extra hour allows us to reach more people with this Wisconsin original,” Arnold said. “This will also create some time for the producers to experiment with new approaches to the program,” he continued.

On Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., WPR will offer a fresh approach to classical music called Sunday Brunch. Host Anders Yocom will offer selections designed to appeal to both classical music experts and casual listeners while matching the pace of a Sunday morning.

“Sunday Brunch explores a concept that Anders has wanted to try for several years,” Arnold added. “We’re looking forward to hearing what listeners think about this new program,” he said.

At 8 p.m. on Sunday, listeners will hear From the Top, a national showcase of young classical performers hosted by acclaimed pianist Christopher O’Riley. “WPR has always been dedicated to showcasing young artists,” Arnold said. “From the Top features musicians from around the country, including Wisconsin, and we think it will be an outstanding addition to our music schedule,” he said. At 9 p.m. WPR’s overnight classical music will start — an hour earlier than the current schedule.

On WPR’s Ideas Network stations, two popular programs from the Saturday specials hour will become regular weekly shows. On Friday nights at 7 p.m., the popular storytelling program The Moth Radio Hour will join the Ideas schedule. On Saturday afternoons, WPR will replace its rotating one—hour special with Radiolab, the show that made science fun, at 3 p.m.

“Listeners have responded enthusiastically when Radiolab and The Moth Radio Hour have aired as occasional specials on WPR. We take listener comments seriously and are pleased that we could make these popular programs part of our regular schedule,” Arnold concluded.

More information can be found at wpr.org.

Tags: news