An update from 88Nine Radio Milwaukee

As a Radio Milwaukee listener, you’re an important part of our community. I’m reaching out today to update you on the changes we’ve recently made to stay afloat through the challenges of 2020.

Like many this year, we’ve struggled financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have been operating on incredibly lean budgets all year and, with community support and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), we’ve been able to continue fully staffed thus far. Moving into 2021 we are budgeting with the same scrutiny, but without the support of PPP, we’ve had to unfortunately implement staff reductions.

We thank all of the affected employees for their contributions and commitment to Radio Milwaukee’s mission. I can speak for all the staff when I say our interactions with you are one of the high points of working at Radio Milwaukee. In that spirit, Ayisha Jaffer wanted to make sure we pass along this note:

“These are unparalleled times and Radio Milwaukee is no exception to what's currently happening in the world. I am deeply saddened to have to leave the station as a result of our new normal. My tenure at the station, and with you, has been through a time of unrest and tragedy but also a time of change, mobilization and deeper connection, which I’ve felt with all of you. I hope that I brought you joy, inspiration, energy and motivation to keep moving forward. Keep exercising that self-care, check in on your neighbors and remember, you can't have a rainbow without the rain.”

While this is a difficult time for us, we’re pulling through because of the community that supports us. It’s been a hard road, but we are hopeful for the future, and we hope you’ll keep tuning in.

With gratitude,

Kevin Sucher, Executive Director