In an apparent attempt to strengthen their position within the community and reach a more diverse demographic, Chicago Public Radio (CPR) has revamped its format and plans to expand its news operations.
The new 24-7, public affair-based format took affect Jan. 8 of this year. Much of the daytime programming has remained the same. The music programming, which made up a large part of the evening and overnight scheduling, has undergone major change.
In place of music programming that previously aired overnight, a new series called Global Overnight, which focuses on world news and culture, has been introduced. Other popular music programs, such as Encanto Latino and Extensions, have been discontinued.
According to a statement released by Ron Jones, vice president of programming for CPR, the new format includes music, but the emphasis will be placed on music as part of culture.
Yet the decision to increase news and talk programming, while significantly reducing the amount of music played, was met with mixed reactions.
In 2006, some contributing listeners voiced strong opposition to the changes and called for other members to boycott CPR, citing that they where not consulted about the changes.
CPR received over $9 million in membership contributions in 2005, almost 50 percent of its total operating revenues.
Chicago Public Radio’s general manager Tony Malatia and vice president Jones have both repeatedly said that the shift in style is necessary and reflects CPR’s commitment to serving the community.
“All of these programming decisions that have gone into the schedule are based on our mission to serve. We aim to spark connections between and among our listeners,” said Jones.
In addition to scheduling changes, CPR has decided to expand news operations by expanding its Navy Pier-based headquarters and adding six satellite bureaus.
Each bureau will be staffed with full-Ãtime reporters and interns. The bureaus will provide more “community-based” reporting and open up the possibility for CPR to “franchise” new stories, said Malatia.
The satellite bureaus will be placed throughout the Chicago land area. CPR has recently opened one in Humboldt Park and plans to open up a bureau in Englewood.
Chicago Public Radio is also opening up a new radio station that will target young listeners. Secret Radio Project, as it is called, will have more of free format where listeners can upload their own content.