Bloomington, Indiana – One of Indiana University’s most enduring media outlets is preparing to welcome the public as it celebrates a milestone. WFIU Public Radio, part of Indiana Public Media, is turning 75 this year, and to mark the occasion, the station is inviting the community to a special Anniversary Open House on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
The event, held in partnership with WTIU, will take place from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. inside the Radio-TV Building at 1229 East 7th Street on the IU Bloomington campus. Admission is free, and guests of all ages are encouraged to attend.
The Open House has long been a tradition for Indiana Public Media, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the studios where radio and television programs are produced. Visitors will have the chance to meet on-air personalities, talk with staff members, and learn more about how both local and national programming comes to life. This year’s gathering will also serve as a tribute to WFIU’s 75 years of service, with historical displays, interactive exhibits, and special presentations highlighting the station’s growth over the decades.
Since its first broadcast in 1950, WFIU has been a fixture in south-central Indiana, providing trusted news, music, and cultural programming to generations of listeners. The station, licensed to Indiana University, is widely known for its partnership with NPR as well as for its locally produced shows that reflect the community it serves. Together with WTIU, the PBS television station also housed at IU, WFIU continues to expand its role as a hub for public broadcasting in the region.
Station leaders say the anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the past while looking ahead to the future. For many in Bloomington and surrounding communities, WFIU has been more than just a radio station—it has been a steady source of information, education, and entertainment through times of change.
The Open House is designed to capture that sense of connection. In addition to touring the facilities, guests will be able to explore exhibits that showcase the evolution of broadcasting technology, view archival materials from WFIU’s earliest days, and learn about new digital initiatives that are shaping the station’s next chapter. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and guide visitors through the activities.
Organizers emphasize that the event is not just for longtime listeners but for anyone interested in learning how public radio and television work. With interactive displays and a friendly, welcoming environment, the Open House is meant to bring the community closer to the people and the mission behind Indiana Public Media.
For more details about the 75th Anniversary celebration and the Open House, community members can visit ipm.org/75.
As WFIU turns 75, the anniversary serves as a reminder of the station’s enduring role: informing, educating, and inspiring Hoosiers, just as it has since its very first broadcast.
