In case you missed it, last week we posted an update about the state budget process related to funding for the Educational Communications Board. You can read about the actions of the legislature's Joint Finance Committee and how their recommendation to restore some of cut funding might affect public broadcasting in the state at WPR.org. Thanks to everyone who contacted legislators on behalf of this essential service. Your voice was heard. During our visits at the Capitol the refrain was often repeated that "we heard from your supporters." Read the full budget update here.
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 WPR Morning Edition Host Terry Bell Says "Goodbye"
Wisconsin Public Radio's Terry Bell recently announced that this Friday, May 22, will be his last broadcast as the statewide host of NPR's Morning Edition.
"Hosting Morning Edition all these years has been the highlight of my broadcasting career," noted Bell. "I want to thank all of our listeners throughout Wisconsin for letting me share their mornings with them."
Terry plans to continue teaching journalism at Madison Area Technical College and will dabble in radio. At 16 years, Terry is WPR's longest-serving Morning Edition host and, in that time, has been honored with awards from the Northwest Broadcast News Association, the Milwaukee Press Club, the Associated Press of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.
"On behalf of everyone at the station, I want to thank Terry for his service," Mike Crane, director of WPR, said. The network is conducting a national search for a Morning Edition host, and temporary hosts will be used during the transition.
Terry plans to stay in the Madison area. He says he's looking forward to regular work hours, and enjoying movies, live music, and baseball games on weeknights.
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 Vietnam Veterans Photo Project Nearing Goal
Since 2012, WPR, WPT, Milwaukee Public Radio, and Milwaukee Public Television have partnered with Wisconsin veterans organizations and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) to find a photo of every Wisconsin service man or woman listed on the Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. Thanks to incredible volunteers throughout the state, and our friends at the Wisconsin Newspaper Association, more than 1,140 photos have been found, and we need your help to find the few remaining photos. Help us find photos for the 11 photos remaining on the official D.O.D. list of Wisconsinites* (updated May 20, 2015): Clarence C. Adams, Milwaukee Willie Bedford, Milwaukee Daniel L. Burr, Milwaukee Carl L. Crowley, Milwaukee Bruno W. Demata, Milwaukee Terrence Freund, Sheboygan Donald L. Greiger, Milwaukee Patrick J. Paulich, Racine Howard D. Strouse, Superior Rudolph G. Valenta, Milwaukee James C. Ward, Milwaukee *The official U.S. Department of Defense and Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund record of Wisconsinites listed on the Wall is 1,161. The Highground, a Vietnam veterans memorial park based in Neillsville, WI, includes 1,244 Wisconsinites. We are working with both lists to try and provide the most inclusive and documented recognition that we can.Get more information on the project and how to submit photos at wpr.org/veterans.
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 Special Whad'Ya Know? 30th Anniversary Show and Party - June 13 in Madison
Join us as we celebrate 30 years of Michael Feldman's Whad'Ya Know? with a special live national broadcast at the Monona Terrace followed by a post-show party on the rooftop deck. Tickets are $10 for the show and $10 for the party, which includes a "brats and veggie burger" lunch, a meet and greet with Michael and the Whad'Ya Know? crew, door prizes and more. Special show guests include musician Ben Sidran, John Siegler of Semi-Twang and the winner of our "Longest Listener Contest," Mark Steingraeber. Thanks to our sponsor, Wollersheim Winery! Click here to get tickets - be sure to pick the June 13 show!
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 Attend a Live Taping of Big River Radio Wave in Alma
Big River Radio Wave will be recorded May 30 at Big River Theatre in Alma, and you can be part of the live studio audience.
The seasonal variety show features regional musicians, comedians and storytellers with a special brand of Wisconsin wit. This show's lineup includes comedians Tim Harmston and Mary Mack, storyteller Kenny Salwey (pictured), and special music guests Mudcat and the Bottom Feeders. As always, Mac Cherry hosts the show, and WPR's Al Ross serves as the announcer.
Performances are at 6 and 8 p.m. at Big River Theatre (121 S. Main St.). Can't make it to the live show? Listen in at 7 p.m. on the Fourth of July for a statewide broadcast of next week's show on the Ideas Network.
[Photo: Kenny Salwey, Wisconsin author and star of the BBC documentary Tales of the Last River Rat, joins regional comedians and musical guests at Big River Radio Wave.]
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Featured Photo
We caught this POV shot and thought we'd give you a sense of what it's like to be behind the mic in one of our studios. Despite the bustle of activity each day, our studios are remarkably quiet and peaceful.
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Program Specials in May & June
On May 23 at noon, our NPR News & Classical Music Network will air the Madison Opera's performance of Rossini's "Barber of Seville," hosted by Lori Skelton.
And on the Ideas Network, select Monday nights in June and July will feature the program Re:sound. Re:sound presents unforgettable stories, carefully curated from around the world. Each episode explores a new theme through a variety of lenses.
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Donate Your Car to WPR
Did you know you can donate your car to WPR and get a tax deduction? Oh, we take trucks too. And boats, RVs, even snowmobiles! We'll tow it away for free at a time that's convenient for you, and WPR will get a donation in your name. Turn your old vehicle into the programs you love! Go to wpr.org/support to get started, or call 866-789-8627. Thanks!
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Says You! Gets a New Host
Earlier this month, we learned that Barry Nolan will take over hosting duties on Says You! Barry has traveled the world covering all manner of stories for Hard Copy, Extra, and ABC's Over the Edge. He is also a devout thespian and has appeared in numerous films.
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Be Part of WPR's Online Community
 
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WPR Takes Home Best Website Award and More 