NPR Illinois (WUIS 91.9 FM) is the NPR member station in Springfield, Illinois, based at the University of Illinois Springfield and covering central Illinois and state government from the state capital.
NPR Illinois is the public radio service of WUIS 91.9 FM, the NPR member station in Springfield, Illinois. The station is owned by and based at the University of Illinois Springfield, on the university's campus, and is licensed to the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. A full-time satellite, WIPA 89.3 FM in Pittsfield, serves part of the Quincy market, and the station's HD channels carry NPR Illinois Classic on 91.9 HD2 and The X, an adult album alternative service, on 91.9 HD3.
The station went on the air on January 3, 1975, as WSSR, operated by what was then Sangamon State University. It became WSSU in 1989 and WUIS in 1995, when Sangamon State joined the University of Illinois system, and it took the NPR Illinois name in 2015.
Its mission is to explain Illinois by informing, analyzing and engaging: in-depth multimedia news reports, expert analysis of statewide issues and community engagement events. From the state capital it covers local news, arts and life for central Illinois along with Illinois state government and politics, and it produces programs such as Community Voices and State Week and keeps the Illinois Issues archive. It broadcasts around the clock.
NPR Illinois staff are employees of the University of Illinois Springfield, and openings are posted on the university's careers site. The station's staff includes statehouse and local reporters, anchors and editors, hosts and producers, engineers, and development, sponsorship and business staff. Most positions include university benefits such as tuition waivers, paid holidays, sick days and vacation days.
