NPR Illinois 50th Anniversary

What was it like when public radio first hit the airwaves in Springfield? In the second installment of Radio Rewind, host Evie Rodenbaugh takes listeners back to the voices of 1975.

UIS grad assistant Evie Rodenbaugh expands on her research into a half century of 91.9 FM in Springfield. In this first episode, she goes back to the beginning. Lincoln Library exhibit, now-May.

The exhibit opened Sept. 18, 2025, at the Lincoln Library, Springfield's Public Library (directions/hours) as "Radio that Listens to You: 50 Years of NPR Illinois." It will run through May 2026. Michel Martin, NPR Morning Edition co-host, helped open the exhibit along with current and former staff, volunteers, students, donors, and friends (see slide show).

Funding cuts make a happy birthday harder

Community Voices addresses the recent cuts to CPB funding.

Bradley Swanson started at NPR Illinois in 1977 as Operations Director. He became general manager of the station in 1999 and retired in 2004. He spoke to Community Voices about his first impressions of public radio, the story behind the station's changing call letters, and advancements in technology and fundraising. Brad also talks about the importance of public radio.Listen to people share reflections and memories of the past 50 years of NPR Illinois all year long on Community Voices.