WKAR - Public Media from Michigan State University
WKAR is part of Michigan State University Broadcasting Services, a division of MSU Communication Arts & Sciences.
It includes WKAR-TV, WKAR Radio, wkar.org, Radio Reading Service, WKAR Ready To Learn Service and Interactive Video Services. Mid-Michigan's source for award-winning originals and the best from PBS and NPR. Includes WKAR-HD, 90.5 FM-FMHD, AM870, wkar.org, Radio Reading Service, WKAR Ready To Learn. A division of Communication Arts & Sciences at Michigan State University.
11/06/2025
World-renowned violinist Ray Chen performs with the Lansing Symphony Orchestra at the Wharton Center on Friday.
Inside the Arts this week, Scott Pohl speaks with Chen about the upcoming performance. He also checks in with WKAR's own Jody Knol, who will lead a preview conversation before the concert with MSU College of Music professor Zhou Tian, whose composition "A Thousand Years of Good Prayers" will open the performance.
Stay up-to-date with the arts in mid-Michigan when you subscribe to the Inside the Arts podcast on Spotify orApple Podcasts.
The Lansing Symphony Orchestra’s Masterworks Series continues with a program featuring guest performer world-renowned violinist Ray Chen.
11/06/2025
Janet Hershberger has worked at MSU for over 25 years, currently contributing to the Department of Integrative Biology.
She found classical music as a child during her time taking piano lessons with her brother and sister. The seed was planted and her love of classical music has bloomed ever since.
Now, she enjoys her favorite pieces on WKAR and is a longtime patron of the classical community that public media provides.
This week, Janet shares some of her favorite pieces as co-host with Linda Kernohan on Community Classical. Listen live on Friday at 3pm and Sunday at4 pm streaming on wkar.org.
11/05/2025
Voters across Mid-Michigan supported most local school funding requests in Tuesday’s election. Schools in Ingham, Eaton, and Jackson counties had funding measures approved, while a Vandercook Lake bond proposal failed.
Voters across Ingham, Eaton, and Jackson counties approved most local school funding proposals in Tuesday’s election, including measures for Mason, Stockbridge, Eaton Rapids, Waverly, and Jackson Public Schools.
11/05/2025
More than 19,000 people turned out to vote in Tuesday’s election for Lansing mayor.
Incumbent Mayor Andy Schor will serve a third term after garnering two-thirds of the vote to defeat opponent Kelsea Hector, executive director of Punks with Lunch Lansing.
Unofficial results show Lansing Mayor Andy Schor won about two-thirds of the vote in Tuesday's election.
11/04/2025
Election Day update: CATA is offering free rides to the polls for Lansing residents.
Details on the service offered today and more information from the WKAR Mid-Michigan's Voter Guide can be found at the link.
The Capital Area Transportation Authority is offering free rides to voters on election day.
11/01/2025
🎉 Big news, mid-Michigan! Thanks to you, we’ve closed $400,000 of WKAR’s $500,000 budget gap after a loss of federal funding.
That means trusted news from Melorie Begay and Sophia Saliby – and curated classical music from our local hosts – continue to reach you for free.
We’re now working to raise the final $100,000 by December 31. 💚
How can you help? Become a sustaining donor today at bit.ly/wkar-radio.
10/30/2025
Kelly Morgan wanted to be a classical pianist, but when she was diagnosed with a neurological condition which made her abandon professional piano playing, she turned to medicine, specifically to try and help others with that condition.
During her time studying at MSU, against the wishes of some, she used those piano abilities to pay for her room and board by playing those 88 keys at local gigs and in commercials in the East Lansing area.
This week, Dr. Morgan shares some of her favorite pieces as co-host with Jamie Paisley on Community Classical. Listen live on Friday at 3pm and Sunday at 4pm streaming at the link in the comments.
10/28/2025
Pick up your very own limited edition pint glass to celebrate Public Radio Music Day with WKAR + UrbanBeat on Wednesday, October 29!
Supplies are limited, so head over to UrbanBeat for the WKAR meet and greet starting at 4:30pm, then stick around for an open mic broadcast LIVE from 6-7pm on 90.5FM and streaming on wkar.org.
Live. Local. Essential. Public Radio Music Day! ❤️ 🎧
10/26/2025
Ranked choice voting is up for discussion on Off the Record.
This week, Michigan Fair Elections Institute Chair Patrice Johnson tells the panel why she opposes it and Tim Skubick asks a pointed question: is it undemocratic?
Watch the full interview and panel discussion on Off the Record at the link in the comments.
10/24/2025
Dr. Charley Ballard is a retired economist who spent nearly 40 years teaching at Michigan State University - and his passion for music has been present even longer than his career. A devoted member of the MSU Choral Union for decades, he finds joy and community in singing alongside fellow Spartans.
On Community Classical this week, Dr. Ballard shares selections that he discovered through his long-time WKAR listenership that he has never heard anywhere else - a testament to his commitment to classical music and the station.
Listen to Dr. Ballard's selections today at 3 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m., streaming on WKAR.org.
10/22/2025
Celebrate Public Radio Music Day with WKAR and UrbanBeat!
Join WKAR at UrbanBeat in Old Town, Lansing on Wednesday, October 29 from 4:30-7pm. Meet WKAR classical hosts, pick up limited edition WKAR giveaways, and be on the scene for our LIVE broadcast during the first hour of UrbanBeat's open mic performances!
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WKAR is part of Michigan State University Broadcasting Services, a division of MSU Communication Arts & Sciences. It includes WKAR-TV, WKAR Radio, WKAR.org, Radio Reading Service, WKAR Ready To Learn Service and Interactive Video Services.
The mission of MSU Broadcasting Services is to connect people to powerful ideas that inspire personal growth, exploration of our world and positive change.
It's a mission 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.
MSU Broadcasting Services touches the lives of more than a half-million mid-Michigan residents each week, and shapes the educational experience of Michigan State University's 40,000-plus student body.
MSU Broadcasting Services is part of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences and is headquartered with offices and studios in the Communication Arts and Sciences Building on the southwest part of the MSU Campus.
WKAR-TV, broadcasting on channel 23, is mid-Michigan's Public Television station. The station produces original shows about state and local issues and broadcasts a diverse schedule of programs from PBS 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 three-channel multicast of programming via digital channel 40. WKAR (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.
MSU's digital television station began broadcasting on January 15, 2004. The three-channel multicast launched on November 4, 2007.
