On March 4, 2026, Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) and PBS Wisconsin will join public media stations across the country in recognizing Rural Voices Day, a national awareness campaign celebrating the vital role public media plays in rural communities.

Rural Voices Day, an initiative of the Alliance of Rural Public Media, highlights the critical journalism, public safety information, and local cultural programming provided by public media stations serving rural America. The campaign underscores how public media strengthens civic life and connects communities often underserved by commercial outlets.

On Wednesday March 4, WPR, and PBS Wisconsin’s digital and social media platforms will feature stories, reporting, and community voices from rural communities across the state, reinforcing PBS Wisconsin and WPR’s long-standing commitment to rural service.

What happens in Wisconsin’s rural communities shapes the entire state. Covering rural Wisconsin has been central to WPR and PBS Wisconsin’s mission for more than a century. With a new unified newsroom combining the strength of eight regional bureaus across the state, 39 radio stations, and four PBS Wisconsin channels on six television stations, three 24/7 livestreams, and a free mobile app, WPR and PBS Wisconsin comprise the only news organization in Wisconsin with journalists embedded in communities across the state, combining local insight with statewide reach to explain how Wisconsin works—and how it can work better for everyone.

“Serving rural Wisconsin isn’t something we do once a year—it’s part of our daily service,” said Kyla Calvert Mason, Executive Editor of WPR. “From the economy, the environment and education to politics, our reporters are committed to covering the issues that shape rural communities. Our mission is to give people reliable information and thoughtful storytelling to help them make informed decisions every day.”

“What happens in our rural communities shapes the entire state — from the food on our tables to the policies at the state Capitol,“ added Frederica Freyburg, PBS Wisconsin’s news director and the anchor of Here & Now. “Across Wisconsin, our reporters focus on the places and people that drive us forward, with in-depth, trusted reporting you won't find anywhere else.”

Each week, hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites rely on WPR and PBS Wisconsin for independent journalism, cultural programming, and trusted public service information. Through its participation in Rural Voices Day, WPR and PBS Wisconsin reaffirm their dedication to amplifying rural perspectives and strengthening connections across Wisconsin.

For more information about Rural Voices Day, visit ruralpublic.org.

PBS Wisconsin and Wisconsin Public Radio are services of UW-Madison’s Wisconsin Public Media division and the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board. Together, they serve communities statewide through trusted journalism, educational programming, and Wisconsin storytelling – on air, online, and in person through live events, freely accessible to all, and powered by community support. pbswisconsin.org wpr.org