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Maureen McCollum to Lead Milwaukee Public Radio

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 18:25 GMT by Radio Ink
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Milwaukee, WI - February 23rd, 2026 - A significant shift in Wisconsin's public radio landscape is underway as Maureen McCollum prepares to move from Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) to assume a key leadership position at Milwaukee Public Radio (WUWM), effective March 1st, 2026. McCollum, a seasoned public radio professional with 15 years of experience at WPR, will take on the role overseeing programming, content creation, and overall station operations at WUWM.

This move isn't merely a personnel change; it represents a potential inflection point for both stations and speaks to the evolving dynamics within public media in the state. McCollum's departure from WPR, where she most recently served as Director of Programming, leaves a void in statewide broadcast strategy. Simultaneously, her arrival at WUWM signals a bolstering of local Milwaukee content and a renewed focus on community engagement.

For WPR, McCollum's leadership has been instrumental in maintaining the station's reputation for high-quality news, NPR programming, and classical music. She spearheaded several successful initiatives aimed at broadening WPR's reach across the state, including the expansion of regional reporting and the launch of new digital content platforms. Her departure necessitates a search for a replacement, a process that could take several months and potentially influence WPR's programming direction during the interim.

WUWM, already a respected voice in Milwaukee, is positioning itself for further growth. General Manager Kevin Marsh expressed strong confidence in McCollum's ability to lead the station forward. "Her extensive experience in public radio and her deep understanding of audience engagement will be invaluable as we continue to grow and serve the Milwaukee community," Marsh stated. This emphasis on audience engagement isn't accidental. Public radio, like all media, is facing increasing competition for listener attention. WUWM's leadership recognizes the need to not only deliver compelling content but also actively involve the community in the station's offerings.

Several industry analysts suggest this transition reflects a growing trend of specialization within public radio. While WPR maintains a statewide focus, serving a broad range of geographic areas and interests, WUWM can concentrate its resources on hyper-local reporting and programming tailored to the specific needs and concerns of the Milwaukee metropolitan area. This specialization allows for deeper coverage of local politics, arts, culture, and community issues.

McCollum herself appears enthusiastic about the opportunity. "WUWM has a long and proud tradition of providing quality public radio programming, and I am honored to be a part of that legacy," she said. "I look forward to working with the talented team at WUWM to build on that tradition and reach even more listeners." Her comments suggest a commitment to preserving WUWM's existing strengths while simultaneously exploring new avenues for innovation.

Sources close to McCollum hint at potential programming enhancements under her leadership at WUWM, including increased coverage of Milwaukee's diverse neighborhoods, a greater focus on investigative journalism focused on local issues, and an expansion of collaborative partnerships with community organizations. The station is also expected to explore new podcasting initiatives and interactive digital content formats to reach a wider audience, particularly younger demographics.

The long-term implications of this leadership change remain to be seen. However, it's clear that both WPR and WUWM are strategically positioning themselves for success in a rapidly changing media landscape. McCollum's move represents a calculated gamble for WUWM - a bet that her experience and vision will translate into increased listenership, greater community impact, and a stronger financial future for the station. For WPR, the challenge will be to navigate the transition and find a successor who can continue to uphold the station's high standards of journalistic integrity and programming excellence. The public radio audience in Wisconsin will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how this story unfolds.