Local hosts launch 'Sun Up Wisconsin' pilot to spotlight community news and events

Sun Up Wisconsin, a new community-funded morning show produced in Wisconsin Rapids, premiered a pilot episode focused on local events, nonprofit activities and interviews with city leaders. Hosts James and Aliyah said the program will aim to combine light entertainment with information about the area and rely on underwriting from local businesses.

The hosts framed the pilot as an experiment in local media. James said the show exists to “make sure that people know what’s going on in the community” and noted the decline of traditional local reporting. Aliyah described the program as a place to highlight events, nonprofits and local government activity.

The pair outlined a format they hope to run three times a week, with a mix of recorded and live segments, periodic interviews, and regular community contributors. James described sponsorship from local businesses as the intended funding model, saying community underwriting will help listeners trust the content.

The pilot included several light segments and community promotions. The hosts previewed veterans updates from Tom Heiser, arts coverage with WRCT contributors and an events calendar. Aliyah promoted an amateur comedy open mic scheduled for Jan. 16 at the venue identified as 1716 (Baker Street) and noted Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre’s upcoming March performances; James pointed listeners to wrctheatre.org for tickets.

The episode also highlighted nonprofit outreach: James encouraged support for United Way events and sponsorships and provided the organization’s web address as a contact point.

The hosts closed by asking listeners to submit local stories they consider "good news" for future shows and said they plan monthly mayor appearances and more live programming as they refine the format. The pilot was explicitly described as pre‑recorded and subject to change in later episodes.