FAQ regarding future of WBAA radio
What’s happening?
Purdue University is creating a new operating model for WBAA radio AM and FM with Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Media (MIPM). MIPM, which operates WFYI public broadcasting entities in Indiana, will acquire the WBAA broadcasting license from Purdue. WBAA will retain its call letters, maintain its heritage, and remain a strong public radio entity in Greater Lafayette and beyond.
When does this take effect?
Pending approval of the transfer of the broadcast license by the Federal Communications Commission, MIPM will assume operations of WBAA by the end of 2021.
Will Purdue and Greater Lafayette still be affiliated with WBAA?
WBAA will maintain a strong heritage and physical presence in Greater Lafayette and will enjoy extended reach via MIPM and its WFYI stations. As a vital member of the Lafayette community, WBAA will continue to provide opportunities for Purdue students to contribute to the station.
Where will WBAA be located?
MIPM is committed to maintaining a vital public media service in Greater Lafayette. Going forward, some WBAA staff will remain in Greater Lafayette. MIPM and WFYI will also contribute the resources of its entire organization headquartered in Indianapolis, providing critical support in broadcast engineering and fundraising.
What's going to happen to current WBAA staff?
MIPM intends to retain several current WBAA employees and will maintain a strong local presence in Greater Lafayette.
Will WBAA continue to provide local news?
Yes, MIPM/WFYI is committed to preserving local journalism and a local media presence.
Will I still hear NPR?
Yes, WBAA will continue to provide NPR news.
Will I still hear classical music?
Yes, WBAA will continue to provide classical music.
What differences will I notice as a listener?
You will hear some new mentions of WFYI during shared programming. WBAA members who donate $60 or more annually will receive a PBS Passport as part of the transition, gaining access to a robust video streaming library not available today, an added membership perk for WFYI members not currently available to WBAA members.
Will WBAA still offer internships to Purdue University students?
Yes. Students will have access to expanded learning and development opportunities both locally with WBAA and through the larger WFYI organization, in positions spanning broadcasting, digital media, sales and marketing and more.
What will happen with my donation to WBAA?
Any gifts previously given in support of WBAA will be used to support the service. Future gifts should be made to WFYI, which will maintain the commitment to support public media in Greater Lafayette via the WBAA stations. Additionally, WBAA members who donate $60 or more annually will receive a WFYI Passport as part of the transition, gaining access to a robust video streaming library not available today, an added membership perk for WFYI members not currently available to WBAA members.
I am an underwriter – what does this mean for me?
WFYI is committed to maintaining public media services to Greater Lafayette, and the organization will continue to offer underwriting opportunities to connect with public media audiences, on radio, television and digital platforms throughout Greater Lafayette and the state of Indiana.
