Stations FAQ
What’s changing with Buffalo Toronto Public Media radio stations?
Beginning Aug.13, a new lineup will begin on 88.7 FM and 94.5 FM. BTPM Classical will move to 88.7 FM, while on 94.5 FM, our new and nationally focused station, BTPM The Source will debut.
Where can I hear Morning Edition?
Morning Edition will continue on 88.7 FM weekdays from 7–9 a.m.
Where can I hear All Things Considered?
All Things Considered will continue on 88.7 FM weekdays from 4–6 p.m.
Where can I hear Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!?
Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! will air Saturdays at 10 a.m. on BTPM Classical 88.7 FM.
What will I hear on 88.7 FM?
Beginning Aug.13, listeners will hear BTPM Classical on 88.7 FM, along with:
- Morning Edition weekdays from 7–9 a.m.
- All Things Considered weekdays from 4–6 p.m.
- Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! Saturdays at 10 a.m.
Can I still listen to BTPM Classical music programming 24/7?
Yes, you will be able to listen to the programming you enjoy now on the pure BTPM Classical stream (without NPR programming), available on the BTPM Listen app, btpm.org/classical, and with your smart speaker.
What is BTPM The Source?
BTPM The Source is a new service coming to 94.5 FM featuring conversation, local voices, regional stories, sports, and music discovery. Among the programs listeners will hear on The Source are The Daily from the New York Times, Marketplace, Marketplace Morning Report, The Splendid Table, This Old House and all of BBC World Service (BBC OS, BBC Newshour, Unexpected Elements, The Global Story, Arts Hour, History Hour, etc.).
Will more schedule information be available?
Yes. Additional programming and schedule details will be shared throughout the summer at btpm.org.
Will I be able to listen to BTPM The Bridge on the new 94.5?
Yes, the Bridge will be on 94.5 BTPM The Source in the evenings and into the overnight hours. More information about schedules will be released throughout the summer. You can stream BTPM The Bridge 24/7 on the BTPM Listen app and at btpm.org/thebridge.
Why is BTPM making these changes?
BTPM continues to evolve its radio services to offer listeners distinct audio experiences across our stations while continuing to provide trusted programming and local content. The federal rescission of $2.2M in annual funding has caused BTPM to diversify its revenue sources, and this switch is part of that effort. 94.5 FM can run enhanced underwriting messages, which will make the station more desirable for sponsors.
Will I need to update my presets?
Yes. Listeners who save stations in their car or radio presets may need to update them beginning Aug.13. Many of our members already listen to both stations and won’t have to change their presets.
Where can I get updates?
Visit btpm.org throughout the summer for updates, schedules, FAQs, and listening information.
TV
Are these changes affecting BTPM PBS television programming?
No. BTPM PBS television programming remains strong and unchanged as part of these radio updates.
Will PBS programs still be available?
Yes. Viewers will continue to receive the PBS programs they know and love, along with a very strong pipeline of future PBS shows. At the same time, the additional programming acquired by BTPM specifically for audiences in Western New York and Southern Ontario continues to grow.
Will BTPM still air mysteries and documentaries?
Absolutely. BTPM PBS will continue offering robust schedules featuring mysteries, dramas, documentaries, arts and culture programming, and educational content.
Will BTPM continue producing local programs?
Yes. BTPM remains committed to local storytelling and regional production.
That includes programs produced by Buffalo Toronto Public Media as well as content created by producers throughout Western New York and Southern Ontario.
Is BTPM still investing in local programming?
Yes. Local programming and regional storytelling remain an important part of BTPM’s mission and service to the community– on every platform.
Can I still stream BTPM PBS programming?
Yes. Many programs remain available through PBS platforms and BTPM digital services.
Funding
Will BTPM have to make additional changes to its programs and services?
No, not in the immediate future. These changes are part of BTPM’s continued evolution and long-term planning for sustainable public media service in our region.
Are other public media organizations struggling?
Yes. Public media organizations across the country are facing financial pressures, and some stations have merged, reduced services, or closed. BTPM is fortunate to have strong community support on both sides of the border to help us face the loss of federal funding.
Is BTPM concerned about the future of public media?
Like all public media organizations, we continue to monitor industry challenges carefully. At the same time, we believe BTPM is well-positioned because of strong community support on both sides of the border and efforts to diversify revenue.
Does BTPM expect federal funding to be reinstated in the future?
BTPM is focused on long-term financial independence and is not planning on federal funding being reinstated. In April 2026 a federal judge ruled that President Trump's 2025 executive order defunding NPR and PBS violated free speech rights. However, that ruling did/does not reinstate federal funding to public broadcasting stations. There is currently no active federal appropriation of funds for local or national public media organizations.
What does “revenue diversification” mean?
In addition to member support, BTPM generates revenue through sponsorships, events, foundations, partnerships, production services, rentals, and philanthropy. BTPM continues to evaluate new ways to increase revenue to continue to serve our communities on both sides of the border.
Is Buffalo Toronto Public Media still a nonprofit serving Western New York and Southern Ontario?
Yes! We are still a nonprofit, and serving audiences throughout Western New York and Southern Ontario remains central to BTPM’s mission.
What does enhanced underwriting mean?
Basically, sponsor messages currently cannot include some descriptive language (ex: “great coffee") and calls to action (ex: “buy now”). Because 94.5 FM has what the FCC classifies as a commercial license, it can have that descriptive language in enhanced messages. However, the new style of messages will not change the overall sound of our station. It will be a subtle enhancement between our programs, not a jarring interruption.