WPR goes mobile with iPhone, Android apps

Each week more than 450,000 listeners tune their radios to Wisconsin Public Radio’s (WPR) stations. They listen on car stereos and kitchen radios, but until recently, it wasn’t easy to listen on mobile phones. But, with the new WPR app, owners of Apple and Android-based mobile phones and tablets can listen to all three WPR networks and enjoy some features you won’t find on your radio.

“Our goal was to give listeners an app that delivered everything WPR offers in one easy-to-use package,” Allen Rieland, WPR’s director of Online Technologies, said. “Most listeners are familiar with our NPR News and Classical Music Network and our call-in programs on the Ideas Network, but we also have a 24/7 Classical Music service online. The app is a great for listening to all of our stations at home or on the go,” Rieland said.

According to Rieland, online listening has grown over the past two years to nearly 22,000 visitors each week. Most of those listeners have been via the station’s website — wpr.org — but with the introduction of the free app, Rieland expects growth to continue and possibly accelerate. “It’s really a simple interface for users, and the special features make it a compelling way to listen,” he added.

Users can pause live broadcasts and explore program schedules using simple on-screen touch controls. “This is probably the easiest way for listeners to explore our archives and schedules,” noted Reiland.

Looking for an interview from the Ideas Network, a podcast from an NPR show or a recent broadcast of Whad’Ya Know?, To The Best of Our Knowledge or Zorba Paster on Your Health? It’s at your fingertips with the WPR “Programs on Demand” link on the app. The app also includes the latest WPR news stories, an alarm clock and sleep-timer.

The WPR app is free and available now in the iTunes Store and Google Play. Find details at www.wpr.org/mobile.

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