Focus Funds Wisconsin Programs

93%

of viewers rate our Wisconsin Programs “very good” or “excellent”

82%

of viewers say they learned something new about Wisconsin

89%

of viewers would recommend our Wisconsin programs to others

Data source: Local program viewer surveys 2022 through 2025. Percentages drawn from an aggregated base of ~2,000 responses.

From hidden histories to magical locales, our stories connect us all. Your support expands access to homegrown performances and local voices — always free and accessible.

With your investment:

Wisconsin Hometown Stories preserves community histories across the state
Wisconsin’s Scenic Treasures highlights natural areas and precious habitats.
Beloved series like Wisconsin Life, Wisconsin Foodie, and John McGivern’s Main Streets share the spirit of everyday life.
Programs such as University Place and the storytelling of Jerry Apps educate and inspire families of all ages.

Donors

Fernando & Carla Alvarado
Jean Cherney
C.L.M. Park Foundation & Lois J. Brager
A.C.V. & Mary Elston Family
Steven & Jean Geiger
Hamilton Family Foundation
Steven Vedro & Beverly Gordon
Lila Waldman
Anonymous

Your passion for storytelling keeps Wisconsin’s stories told, treasured and shared with generations to come.

Clint WalzMANAGING DIRECTOR, INDIVIDUAL GIVING

Discover how we work

PBS Wisconsin producers seek out stories that matter — from rural towns to urban neighborhoods. Through interviews, archival research, and creative production, we bring the diverse character of Wisconsin to audiences statewide.

Looking ahead

Millions of Wisconsin stories remain untold. With your support, we can expand local programming, provide fresh perspectives and celebrate the people and places that make our state unique.

Every corner of Wisconsin has a story to tell. Your support celebrates, amplifies, and preserves those stories.

Kyra LyonsPBS WISCONSIN PRODUCER

Producer Emily Julka sets up a shot of winter ice at Cave Point County Park, Door County, for Wisconsin’s Scenic Treasures: Wild Waters in February 2025.

PBS Wisconsin is hands down the best programming in the country. Having traveled out of state to see what other local PBS stations offer, we can say that PBS Wisconsin has no peer.

Cynthia from Eau Claire

It is exciting to learn about people and places in Wisconsin that are off the beaten path. … This show gets you motivated to get out to explore and travel locally.

Silvia from Rib MountainWISCONSIN LIFE

The show highlights how diverse our state is in terms of all aspects of food production, eating, and growing. I like the farmer focus, too.

Ann from MononaWisconsin Foodie

Emmy and John make me smile. 🙂 We learn something new about the cities featured every single time we watch!

Jamie from Eau ClaireMain Streets

All programs produced about Wisconsin remind us what a gem our state is. Culturally, historically, geographically, biologically, etc. I wouldn’t live anywhere else.

Vivian from Green BayWisconsin Hometown Stories Appleton

Explore Featured Wisconsin Program Projects

Wisconsin Programs

Bucky

Trace the history of Bucky Badger and his cultural impact on Wisconsin through rare archival footage and interviews with former mascots and the families of his creators.

Wisconsin Programs

Powwow Bound

PBS Wisconsin partnered with Nebraska Public Media, Vision Maker Media and Menominee community advisors to develop a 3D video game that centers Indigenous voices and culture.

Wisconsin Programs

Wisconsin Lighthouses

Voyage into the past and visit some of Wisconsin’s most scenic and storied lighthouses, including an immersive 3D, scroll-driven Cana Island feature.

Wisconsin Programs

Wisconsin Pride

LGBTQ+ history is Wisconsin history, inspiring visibility, courage and belonging across the state.

Wisconsin Programs

Wisconsin Hometown Stories: Beloit

Stories of industry, education and community pride illustrate Beloit’s rich history.

Wisconsin Programs

Wisconsin's Scenic Treasures: Northwoods

Explore Wisconsin’s northern forests, lakes, parks and natural areas takes the viewer to widely cherished locales as well as lesser-known secluded spots.

Wisconsin Programs

Wisconsin Life

Celebrate Wisconsins people and places with host Angela Fitzgerald. Learn something new, meet someone unexpected.

Wisconsin Programs

Vel Phillips: Dream Big Dreams

The story of Vel Phillips who led Milwaukee’s fair-housing fight and broke barrier after barrier—the first Black judge in Wisconsin and the first woman and first Black person elected to statewide executive office.