Wisconsin Public Radio has announced that Lee Rayburn will take over as the host of its flagship midday call-in program, marking a significant transition for one of the state’s most enduring broadcast traditions. Rayburn will step into the role following the retirement of Larry Meiller, whose final broadcast is scheduled for June 30, 2026.
The appointment of Rayburn is designed as a seamless transition for the audience. Having served as a frequent fill-in host and contributor to the program, Rayburn is already a familiar voice to the listeners who tune in weekdays from 11 a.m. To 1 p.m. CDT. The show, which Meiller established in 1978, has evolved into a vital community hub where practical knowledge and listener curiosity intersect.
For the listeners, the core appeal of the program—its commitment to live interaction and expert-led discussions—will remain unchanged. The broadcast will continue to cover a broad spectrum of interests, including home improvement, technology, consumer issues, books, and the outdoors. This consistency ensures that the program remains a reliable public service for residents across the state.
As part of the new programming structure, Jill Nadeau, the show’s executive producer, will expand her role by hosting “Garden Talk” on Fridays, further diversifying the program’s specialized content whereas maintaining the stability of the midday slot.
A Legacy of Public Service and Community Dialogue
The transition is less a sudden change and more a passing of the torch from a pioneer of public radio. Larry Meiller’s retirement concludes a staggering 59-year career at Wisconsin Public Radio, one of the longest tenures in the history of the medium. Over nearly six decades, Meiller did more than just host a show; he pioneered the call-centered format that allowed the public to move from passive listening to active participation.
The scale of Meiller’s impact is reflected in the numbers. Throughout his career, he hosted more than 13,000 broadcasts and managed a staggering volume of community engagement, welcoming more than 350,000 calls and emails. This level of interaction turned the program into a shared experience for farmers, doctors, and neighbors alike.
“The guests and the people who call in and email us are the stars of this show,” Meiller said. “It’s always been shaped as much by them as by our team. Farmers and gardeners, doctors and neighbors, first-time callers and decades-long regulars. The people of Wisconsin have always been the co-creators of this show.”
Meiller’s contributions have been recognized by his peers and academic institutions. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in 2017 and was recently named a Fellow of the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters, cementing his status as a cultural fixture in the Midwest.
Who is Lee Rayburn?
Lee Rayburn brings a blend of local roots and national experience to the host’s chair. A native of Madison and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Rayburn returned to his home state in 2019 after spending two decades producing and hosting talk shows at various stations across the United States.
This combination of professional breadth and local identity makes him a natural fit for a program that prides itself on understanding the specific needs and curiosities of Wisconsinites. His tenure as a fill-in host allowed him to build a rapport with the existing audience and develop a shorthand with the experts who frequent the show.
“I am humbled and honored beyond words,” Rayburn said. “I loved listening to Larry Meiller long before I became a broadcaster and never could have imagined I would have this opportunity. Working alongside Larry has taught me how to best serve Wisconsin by using each show to help make people’s lives better every day. That is exactly what we will continue to do.”
Sarah Ashworth, the director of WPR, emphasized that Rayburn’s personality aligns with the show’s mission. She noted that he brings a “natural warmth, humor and curiosity” to the role, which is essential for a program that relies on trusting its listeners and treating their practical questions as a matter of public service.
The Roadmap for the Transition
While Rayburn is stepping into the leadership role, WPR is not rushing the departure of Meiller. Instead, the network is treating the period between now and 2026 as a celebration of a historic career. The transition is described by leadership as a “natural progression” rather than a sharp handoff, allowing the audience to adjust to the new voice while still honoring the founder.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Host | Lee Rayburn |
| Outgoing Host | Larry Meiller (Retiring June 30, 2026) |
| Air Time | Weekdays, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. CDT |
| Format | Live call-in, expert guests, practical knowledge |
| Friday Special | “Garden Talk” hosted by Jill Nadeau |
To mark the occasion, WPR has organized a series of live broadcasts and events across the state. These events are intended to let listeners say goodbye to Meiller in person and welcome Rayburn in a public forum, maintaining the community-centric spirit that Meiller championed throughout his career.
How to Connect with the Program
For those looking to participate in the upcoming broadcasts or engage with the new hosting team, the program remains accessible through multiple channels. The show continues to air across Wisconsin and is available via the WPR app and online streaming.
- Phone: Listeners can call in at 800-642-1234.
- Email: Inquiries and questions can be sent to [email protected].
- Web: Live streams and event information are available at wpr.org.
The program’s commitment to being a “co-creation” between the broadcasters and the public remains the guiding principle for Rayburn as he takes the helm. By maintaining the current format—focusing on the outdoors, technology, and home improvement—the network aims to preserve the utility of the show while allowing it to evolve under new leadership.
The next major milestone for the program will be the ongoing series of live celebratory events across Wisconsin, leading up to Larry Meiller’s final broadcast on June 30, 2026. These events will serve as the primary way for the community to engage with both the legacy of the past and the direction of the future.
We invite you to share your memories of the show or your thoughts on the transition in the comments below.
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