Funding Woes Force WPR to Cancel ‘University of the Air’ Show: What It Means for Listeners

Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) announced in late June that it will end “University of the Air” along with three other long-standing programs. This decision comes amid funding struggles at both federal and state levels.

Recently, the Trump administration and some congressional Republicans pushed for cuts to public radio funding. The “Big Beautiful Bill,” passed in June, eliminated $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a major source of funding for public media like PBS and NPR. Over two-thirds of this funding helps support around 1,500 local stations, including WPR.

Emily Auerbach, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and co-host of “University of the Air,” expressed her dismay over these cuts. “Public broadcasting is vital for journalistic integrity and accessibility,” she explained. Auerbach has co-hosted the show with Norman Gilliland for 30 years, where they have explored diverse topics, from music to medicine.

The show’s roots tie back to the Wisconsin Idea, which emphasizes making university knowledge accessible to the people of the state. “The title ‘University of the Air’ reflects the importance of outreach,” Auerbach remarked. Originally, the show aired recorded lectures but was transformed by Auerbach and Gilliland into a more interactive format, allowing for in-depth interviews.

Gilliland shared how special the longer interviews have been. Many guests, including historian Stephen Ambrose, mentioned they had never been interviewed at such length before. This format encourages listeners to connect with experts on a personal level.

Listeners have expressed how the program has changed their perspectives and even inspired them to seek medical advice or read more on various subjects. Auerbach emphasized that “lifelong learning is invaluable.”

The last episode of “University of the Air” will air in September, with plans to reflect on its history and notable interviews. Although the future of the show is uncertain, Auerbach remains hopeful that it could return with new hosts if the budget allows.

In recent years, WPR has faced challenges that led to layoffs and cutbacks on programs like “To The Best of Our Knowledge” and “Zorba Paster On Your Health.” Auerbach believes there are many ways to keep the spirit of “University of the Air” alive.

Listeners can catch the final episodes of “University of the Air” every Sunday from 5-6 p.m. Those interested can also explore the show’s archive, which boasts around 950 episodes recorded over the years.

As public broadcasting faces ongoing financial challenges, the voices of local experts and the commitment to accessible education become more critical than ever.



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