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1962 was the start of it all for WPLN. It’s the year we were created as a service of the library, operating out of a tiny room in the Richland Park Library.  

That world was rocked in 1971 when National Public Radio was established.  

Our local organization had a major internal change in 1996, when we parted ways (amicably) with the library. That’s when we became Nashville Public Radio, an independent, community licensed station.  

2025 is another of those milestone years that we will long talk about as a landmark in this organization’s history. And I am confident we will be talking about it well into the future, because Nashville Public Radio is here for good. 

WHAT TO KNOW

Reporter Cynthia Abrams out in the field for Curious Nashville

We don’t have the Corporation for Public Broadcasting anymore. That’s a major loss, but I’m not sure there’s any station in the nation in a better situation for weathering the current storm than Nashville Public Radio.  

A big part of that is the amazing response to our emergency request for help this summer. Our community of listeners stepped up and made sure we could remain financially stable without this year’s CPB money. Going forward, that’s going to have to be the norm. 

That change coincided with another big one for us: our new CEO, Holly Kernan, came on board. She knows this industry inside and out. She’s taken the helm in a way that is both frank and honest about the current challenges and excited about the opportunities at hand.  

After all, we are now 100% independent of any larger entity. Our business model is now 100% about community connection with you. 

We’re not going anywhere. The hurdles thrown in front of public radio this year have not stopped us from doing the work you expect of us. In the last year, we’ve published 910 news stories online and broadcast more than 1,100 on the air. We’ve had events, awards, new investigations, and even contributed a substantial amount of the reporting cited in an episode of John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight. If anything, we are thinking and dreaming bigger and better than ever about what this station can become for Nashville and Middle Tennessee.  

But like I said before, from here on out, it’s just us: you and the station. Our listeners and our staff. One team, taking a stand together to say accurate and reliable information is a necessity. Taking the time to find and listen to the voices of the people who make up our neighborhoods. Caring together for the concerns of the folks who are hurting. Sharing together in the joys of the ones who are reaching new heights.  

Bottom line, now more than ever, you are the “public” in this public service, and your sustaining donation makes a bigger impact than ever before. Your ongoing, monthly gift provides us with the stability we need to keep up the standard of coverage you rely on.  

You are our future. Thank you so much for doing your part. 

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🎙️ On the NashVillager podcast today

Why did anyone steal that? Tennessee has several stories of offbeat thefts of art (or “art,” depending on your point of view). Plus the local news for October 27, 2025 and investigative collaboration. Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcasting app:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music| Pocket Casts | Web

MORE TO KNOW

  • Federal investigators have wrapped up their on-site examination of the AES explosion that killed 16 in Bucksnort. Experts determined more than 24,000 pounds of explosives detonated in the blast. They’ve honed in on the origination point and say there are several working theories of how it started. But there is still much more analysis to be done before they can reach a conclusion. 
  • Public schools in Tullahoma will no longer allow LGTBQ pride flags to be flown. After a unanimous vote by the school board earlier this week, only the United States and Tennessee flags are allowed. 
  • The first union contract at Volkswagen’s Tennessee factory is ready for a vote…or not, depending on who you ask. Some workers say they’re ready to officially consider what the company calls it’s “last, best, and final offer.” Leaders with the United Auto Workers want to keep working on hammering out a deal closer to what it got with Detroit carmakers like Ford and General Motors. They say the majority of members want the bargaining to continue. [Chattanooga Times Free Press] 

FROM WNXP

The sixth graders who’d been ushered into the echoey cafeteria of Antioch Middle School for a special presentation from 2’LiveBre probably wouldn’t have picked up on the slight raggedness in his voice if he hadn’t brought it up. He wanted them to know that he had good reason to be hoarse — late nights filming a music video with Juvenile and partying with Post Malone — but still wanted to show up for them.

Bre performed some of his school-safe material for the students, accompanied by keyboard player TeAndre Holmes, and left a few minutes for a Q&A. “Just don’t ask me nothing crazy,” Bre cautioned with a sly grin.

One kid wanted to know how much a hip-hop artist earns. Others asked for Bre’s Tiktok handle, and angled for a shout-out in one of his songs.

But what he really wanted to impress on them was that taking their ambitions seriously, and their friends’ ambitions, too, makes a difference. He was living proof that a kid from where they’re from could make good. A ubiquitous presence at cultural events all over his city, he’s demanding respect from New York and Music Row executives alike, not only for his own charisma, hustle and dynamic, drawled bars, but for Nashville hip-hop period. Everywhere he goes, he champions his community.

Dive into more about 2’LiveBre as resported by Jewly Hight on WNXP.CLICK FOR TICKET GIVEAWAYS

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