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About

The mission of WKAR Public Media is to connect people to powerful ideas that inspire personal growth, exploration of our world and positive change.

WKAR Public Media is part of Michigan State University Broadcasting Services, a division of MSU College of Communication Arts & Sciences. It includes WKAR-TV, WKAR Radio, WKAR.org, Radio Reading Service, WKAR Digital Studios, and WKAR Family.

The WKAR mission is carried out every day by talented and dedicated individuals with expertise ranging across news reporting, electrical engineering, media production, graphic arts, bookkeeping, videography, audio recording and much more. WKAR Public Media touches the lives of more than a half-million mid-Michigan residents each week, and helps shape the educational experience of Michigan State University's 40,000-plus student body.

WKAR is headquartered with offices and studios in the Communication Arts and Sciences Building on the southwest part of the MSU Campus.

WKAR-TV is the Capital Region’s public television station. The station produces original programs about state and local issues, children’s programming, and broadcasts a diverse schedule of programs from PBS, PBS Kids, and other sources.

WKAR-TV broadcasts in high definition and stereo, with closed captions for the hearing-impaired. Descriptive Video Service (DVS), which describes visual action for the sight-impaired, is also provided when available.

WKAR-TV broadcasts a five-channel multicast of programming. WKAR HD (23.1) features a mix of performance, drama, science, news and daytime children's television from PBS and other trusted sources of quality TV programming. WKAR World (23.2) explores all facets of our world, from history and geography, to documentary and public affairs, along with encores of favorite WKAR programs. WKAR Create (23.3) features how-to and lifestyles programs. WKAR PBS KIDS (23.4) provides quality PBS KIDS educational programming 24/7 as well as WKAR Family interstitials and original programs. Michigan Learning Channel (23.5) presents instructional content to support the education of students and to provide alternative resources for families and teachers, through a statewide public television partnership.

WKAR NewsTalk, broadcasting at AM 870 and 102.3 FM, is the area's news and information station with local and national programs. WKAR NewsTalk broadcasts on AM 870 during daylight hours, and 24/7 on 102.3 FM and streaming at wkar.org.

90.5 WKAR-FM, broadcasting at 90.5 MHz, is the Capital Region’s source for classical music, local news, and NPR. The station operates 24 hours per day, and is available online at wkar.org.

Radio Reading Service (RRS) is a 24-hour, specialized broadcast service that provides timely and useful information to those who are print handicapped or otherwise have difficulty reading the printed page. Listeners who qualify are given special receivers, free of charge, which are needed to receive this service. Programs come from national, satellite-delivered services, or are provided by hundreds of volunteers who read from the WKAR studios.

WKAR.org hosts schedules and additional information about programs and activities, and features 24-hour streaming of WKAR-FM and most of the WKAR-AM program schedule. Archives of many WKAR-originated television and radio programs can also be played on-demand at WKAR.org. Podcasting is available for select programs. Live Streaming is also available for select programs.

WKAR Family is a comprehensive initiative aimed at forming partnerships to help kids be resilient, lifelong learners. In an effort to expand our educational framework, WKAR is committed to significantly increase resources for educators, parents, and children in literacy, STEM, professional development, and early childhood research supporting every child’s unlimited potential.

View the FCC Public File for WKAR

revised 11/24/21