We’re midway through the fiscal year without federal funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), and our community has generously stepped up for an emergency funding campaign and annual fall fund drive. As we head into the second half of the fiscal year, we’re rolling out some organizational and programming changes to better align operations and content with current staffing levels and revenue.
Staff reorganization
Until we can better forecast our annual expenses and stabilize revenue streams without federal funding, we are leaving three full-time journalism positions vacant. And we have a retirement on the horizon when Jon Norton hangs up his headphones at the end of January after more than 40 years in radio and several years hosting All Things Considered and Morning Edition for WCBU.
Members of the programming and content teams will be moving to the following new roles to improve operations and news production:
- Interim Content Director: Ryan Denham.
- News Director: Eric Stock.
- Deputy News Director: Lauren Warnecke.
- Digital Content Director: Emily Bollinger.
The newsroom continues to be supported by reporter Joe Deacon, correspondents Steve Stein and Mae Gilliland Wright, and digital assistant Joey Wilson.
Programming changes
After adding BBC Newshour at 2 p.m. to a very positive audience response last year, we will add the morning Newshour at 9 a.m. each weekday followed by 1A at 10 a.m. and Here & Now at noon.
Looking forward
We’re implementing technology improvements and installing new equipment in early 2026 which will stabilize and enhance our on-air signal and streams and improve reliability for both 89.9/Peoria Public Radio and 103.5/WCBU Classical.
Serving the public media mission that is free from editorial interference and commercial owners focused on a profit remains our north star. And we must continue to build a sustainable financial future for public media in Greater Peoria.
If you have comments or questions for the WCBU staff, please email wcbupeoria@IllinoisState.edu.
