This summer, NPR Illinois—the NPR member station based in Springfield (WUIS 91.9 FM)—reaches a significant milestone: 50 years on the air. What began in 1975 as WSSR at what was then Sangamon State University has evolved into a vital statewide voice, rebranding as NPR Illinois in 2015 and building a reputation for in-depth reporting, community storytelling, and thoughtful connection across Illinois communities.

To commemorate half a century of service, NPR Illinois is launching a special exhibit on Sept. 18 at the Lincoln Public Library, where visitors can explore oral histories, archival audio, and photos reflecting the station’s journey from its university roots to its current role in local media. The exhibit remains on display through May 2026 and will travel across the NPR Illinois listening area, making stops in Decatur, Jacksonville, Lincoln, and more to engage listeners regionally.

Alongside the exhibit, NPR Illinois programs like Community Voices and State Week continue to spotlight local stories—from Midwestern small businesses to lesser-known cultural groups—living out the station’s mission to “explain Illinois.” Recent innovations include the launch of J‑Corps, a citizen journalism initiative that trains everyday Illinoisans—including a mother-daughter reporting duo from Springfield Muslim communities—to tell their own stories on the air.

As NPR Illinois celebrates its milestone, the station is facing challenges: federal support for public media was recently eliminated. Still, leadership affirms that listener contributions and grassroots support the backbone of the operation.

NPR Illinois has grown into an essential source of regional reporting, combining national programming with Illinois-focused content. Its schedule now features national voices like Morning Edition and All Things Considered, alongside locally produced shows and podcasts that reflect the diversity of Central Illinois and beyond.

From the silent moments in the newsroom of a university radio station to multi-city celebratory exhibits, NPR Illinois’s story is one of adaptation and community trust. As it marks a half-century of storytelling, the station continues to invite listeners to support public radio’s role in fostering informed citizenship—one story at a time.