Wisconsin Public Radio will cease production on four programs, three of which are distributed nationally, and layoff fifteen staffers.

WPR will end the Anne Strainchamps hosted “To The Best Of Our Knowledge“, Classical music oriented “BETA” hosted by Doug Gordon, “Zorba Paster On Your Health” featuring Dr. Zorba Pastor and Karl Christenson, and the local “University Of The Air” interviewing faculty of the University of Wisconsin hosted by Norman Gilliland and Emily Auerbach.

The organization said in a statement, “The programming decisions stem from a broader repositioning of WPR resources that includes a number of layoffs across departments. WPR’s budget has experienced a deficit in recent years, and public radio nationally is facing pressures around state and federal funding.” They added, “Audience data and digital metrics collected by WPR clearly show an appetite for programs focused on Wisconsin. Research this year also shows that WPR has an opportunity to serve unmet information needs across the state.”

WPR Director Sarah Ashworth said, “We’re saddened to say goodbye to these valued colleagues and shows that have been an important part of our recent history. This is a difficult decision and WPR must prioritize its capacity to provide what no other media outlet can: unique Wisconsin content from a decidedly Wisconsin point of view. A focus on creating Wisconsin content for Wisconsin audiences is our obligation to – and our richest opportunity for – public service.”

Wisconsin Public Radio says it will work with staff to determine how to celebrate the legacy of these shows before they cease production later this year. Distributor PRX will communicate with the show affiliates.