Bookstore Titan TTBOOK Closes Its Doors for Good
In a significant move, Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) has announced the end of production for the nationally syndicated show "To the Best of Our Knowledge" (TTBOOK), effective September 27. The decision comes as part of WPR's broader efforts to address budget deficits, flat revenues, and potential federal funding cuts[1][2][3].
The announcement has left 15 WPR staff members out of work, and four programs, including TTBOOK, BETA (an arts and culture show), "Zorba Paster On Your Health" (a health show), and the local show "University of the Air", will no longer air.
WPR's Director, Sarah Ashworth, has emphasised the strategic importance of refocusing on unique Wisconsin content for Wisconsin audiences, stating it as the station's core obligation and opportunity[2][3]. This shift in focus is aimed at adapting services to changing audience habits.
The decision to end TTBOOK, which has been a gathering place for people and ideas for 35 years, has left its audience and staff saddened. However, each member of the TTBOOK team is now building a new future in audio production, journalism, interviewing, or writing.
Two more Island of Knowledge episodes, including this week's "What Is Life?", are still in production. The TTBOOK team is also planning a farewell show, and they invite listeners to share their memories and thoughts as they say goodbye on the air.
In addition, a project is underway to preserve the TTBOOK archives for easy search and access. The TTBOOK team will keep listeners updated on where they can find them and what they decide to do next.
The broader public media landscape is also facing financial challenges, with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a key federal funding conduit, facing historic cuts approved by the Senate in July 2025[5]. These cuts threaten to reduce major funding streams to NPR, PBS, and member stations like WPR.
For further questions or comments, listeners can email [listen@WPR's website](mailto:listen@WPR's website). The public statement from WPR regarding the end of TTBOOK can be found on their website. Anne, a member of the TTBOOK team, is inviting listeners to leave voice messages about their experiences with the show.
As WPR moves forward, it is aligning its resources toward serving Wisconsin, with a commitment to continue meeting its public service mission.
The end of "To the Best of Our Knowledge" on Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) also signifies the closure of finance for four programs, including 'public radio' shows like TTBOOK and "University of the Air". In an effort to adapt services to changing audience habits and refocus on unique Wisconsin content, WPR is reconsidering its 'business' model, potentially impacting similar shows across the public media landscape.
