Mission & History

A listener-supported broadcast service of Interlochen Center for the Arts, Interlochen Public Radio is home to two distinct radio stations serving northwest lower Michigan with music, news and culture from the region and the world – every day, 24 hours a day.

CLASSICAL MUSIC
88.7 FM, Interlochen; 94.7 FM Traverse City; 88.5 FM, Mackinaw City
Classical IPR presents quality classical music with local and national news updates. The station also broadcasts outstanding musical performances from Interlochen and around the world. Classical IPR's FM broadcast reaches more than 20 counties, from well above the Mackinac Bridge south to Big Rapids, and from Michigan’s west coast to Roscommon.

NEWS
91.5 FM, Traverse City; 89.7 FM, Manistee/Ludington; 90.1 FM, Harbor Springs/Petoskey
IPR News Radio offers continuous local, national and world news and information. The station's reporters also highlight important issues and events from our region. IPR News Radio's FM broadcast reaches Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason and Wexford counties.

IPR is affiliated with National Public Radio, Public Radio International, Michigan Public Radio, Michigan Association of Public Broadcasters, the National Association of Broadcasters and the Associated Press.

IPR strives to: 

1. Ignite a passion for music among people of all ages by celebrating music, musicians and the Interlochen  experience. 

2. Deepen the public's understanding of the world with compelling journalism and storytelling known for depth, accuracy and originality. 

3. Teach people to craft their own powerful stories and programs and bring new voices to public media.

HISTORY
Interlochen Public Radio began in 1963 as the third fulfilled dream of Interlochen founder Joe Maddy. With a staff of 5 and an 8-hour broadcast day, the station played classical music with some syndicated talk programs. Gradually, the station expanded its service over the years.

1966 Added FM stereo

1971 Became charter member of NPR. Added daily network news.

1973 Local underwriting effort begun

1974 Expanded service to 18 hours a day

1980 First successful on-air fundraiser

1984 Rose to national leadership in per-capita listener support

1985 Expanded service to 24 hours a day

1989 Added WICV in East Jordan and increased reach of main transmitter.

1990 Began planning for new studio and office building

1995 Moved into new building complex

2000 Began a second service, IPR News Radio 91.5

2001 IPR Music Radio began broadcasting an all-music format

2003 IPR Music and News Radio began streaming on the internet

2005 Added WIAB in Mackinaw City to increase the reach of classical music

2010 Added WLMN in Manistee to expand the reach of IPR News Radio

2011 Added WHBP in Harbor Springs, again extending IPR News Radio

2013 Added 94.7 FM Classical Radio in Traverse City