WBEZ frequency & live stream
WBEZ is a public radio / news / talk radio station from the United States, owned by Chicago Public Media, on air since 1943. How to listen:
- Chicago 91.5 FM
- Online streaming
| Format | Public radio / News / Talk |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1943 |
| Owner | Chicago Public Media |
| Headquarters | Chicago, United States |
| Website | www.wbez.org |
| Language | English |
| Country | United States |
WBEZ frequency & how to listen
WBEZ is available on Chicago 91.5 FM, Online streaming. You can also stream it live with the player below.
Listen to WBEZ live
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WBEZ is the leading public radio station in Chicago, broadcasting on 91.5 FM as a member of NPR. Operated by Chicago Public Media, it pairs national public radio programming with a substantial local newsroom covering the city and the wider region.
History
WBEZ signed on in 1943 as a station of the Chicago Board of Education, initially delivering instructional programming to schools. It later transitioned into a community-licensed public station and became an NPR member, shifting decisively toward news and talk. The station earned a national reputation as an incubator of new radio storytelling: This American Life originated at WBEZ in the 1990s, and the station’s production culture later contributed to the podcast era, including the widely known series Serial, which grew out of This American Life. In recent years Chicago Public Media has expanded beyond radio, notably by acquiring the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper in 2022.
Format and programming
WBEZ follows a news and talk format built around NPR programs such as Morning Edition and All Things Considered, alongside locally produced news, interview and current-affairs shows. Its journalists cover Chicago politics, education, criminal justice and culture, and the station produces podcasts and digital reporting in addition to its broadcast schedule.
Reach
The station serves the Chicago metropolitan area on 91.5 FM and reaches listeners nationwide and internationally through online streaming, its website and podcast distribution.
Significance
WBEZ is one of the most influential public radio stations in the United States. Its role in launching nationally distributed programs helped redefine narrative audio journalism, and its combination with the Sun-Times has made Chicago Public Media a prominent experiment in sustaining local news through nonprofit ownership.
Sources
- Official site: https://www.wbez.org
- Radio Browser: https://www.radio-browser.info
WBEZ: frequently asked questions
What frequency is WBEZ on?
WBEZ is available on Chicago 91.5 FM, Online streaming.
Which country is WBEZ from?
WBEZ is a radio station from the United States, headquartered in Chicago, United States. It broadcasts in English.
Who owns WBEZ?
WBEZ is owned by Chicago Public Media.
How can I listen to WBEZ online?
You can stream WBEZ live in your browser with the player on this page or on the official website, www.wbez.org — free, with no app or sign-up needed.
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