WUWM Radio Station Tour — Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Discover the WUWM Radio Station Tour in Wisconsin

Go behind the scenes of Milwaukee’s NPR affiliate at WUWM 89.7 FM, where award-winning journalists, producers, and on-air hosts create local news, interviews, and national programming every day. This rare, insider tour takes you through real studios, control rooms, and production spaces to see how public radio comes to life.
Why it’s special:
WUWM offers one of the few public radio studio tours in the Midwest, giving visitors direct access to live recording spaces, sound engineering, and behind-the-scenes operations.

History/Story of WUWM Radio

WUWM launched in 1964 at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and gradually grew from a campus radio operation into one of Wisconsin’s major public radio stations. Today, WUWM is known for trusted journalism, thoughtful local coverage, and programs such as Lake Effect, produced entirely in Milwaukee. Its partnership with NPR brings national news and storytelling to Southeastern Wisconsin.

What You’ll See & Do on the WUWM Tour

• Step inside professional on-air studios used for news, interviews, and daily programming

• Visit the control room and see how audio is mixed and broadcast in real time

• Watch producers prepare stories, edit audio, and manage digital content

• Learn how NPR segments are integrated with local reporting

• Explore the newsroom and meet journalists (as available)

• Discover the technology behind audio engineering, podcasting, and radio transmission

• Hear behind-the-scenes stories about live broadcasts and Milwaukee newsrooms

Hands-On Elements: Audio mixing demos, sound-level displays, sample recording (when available).
Photo/Video Policy: Photos allowed in designated areas; no flash or recording during live broadcasts.
Souvenirs & Extras: Stickers, public radio merch (may vary), informational handouts.

Pricing of the WUWM Radio Station Tour

• Tour: Free

• Reservation required for all individuals and groups

• Perfect for schools, journalism students, and civic groups

Practical Info for Visiting WUWM

Duration: 45–60 minutes
Format: Guided studio and newsroom tour
Schedule & Seasonality: Offered on select weekdays
Working Hours: Typically 9:00 AM–4:00 PM (tour times by request)
Audience: Students, media fans, journalists, podcast creators, civic groups
Accessibility: Tours take place indoors; building accessible
Safety & Restrictions:

• Quiet required during live broadcasts

• Stay in designated tour areas

Languages: English
Group Visits: Available for classes and organizations with advance booking
What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable clothing; curiosity for media and storytelling
Facilities: Lobby, waiting area, restrooms, parking varies by day/time
Closures & Downtime: Tours may pause during breaking news or major events

Nearby

• UW–Milwaukee Campus

• Milwaukee Art Museum

• Lakefront Brewery

• Historic Downer Avenue district

FAQs About Visiting WUWM

Will I see a live broadcast?
Often—depending on timing, you may observe hosts or producers working on live or recorded segments.

Can I try speaking into a microphone?
Sometimes—guides may allow supervised microphone demos when studios are not in active use.

Are kids allowed?
Yes—tours are great for middle-school ages and up; younger groups should be quiet during studio time.

Can I meet journalists?
Possibly—staff availability varies, but tours often include newsroom interactions.

Is recording allowed?
Photos are allowed in designated areas, but recording during broadcasts is restricted.