WFYI Public Media was established in 1970 to provide a public forum for discussion of critical issues for communities in Central Indiana. As Indiana’s chief PBS and NPR member station, WFYI provides comprehensive radio, TV and digital reporting across health, education, government and policy, the economy, and arts and culture. WFYI’s nationally recognized community engagement work ensures its reporting is in direct response to the local community’s questions and input.

WFYI produces award-winning Side Effects Public Media, a regional public health media initiative that delivers in-depth health investigative reporting on community health issues, such as substance use disorder and tobacco use, and potential solutions. In 2021, WFYI expanded its education reporting bureau to increase coverage on issues related to disparities in academic achievement and education access, as well as the policies and procedures that address these issues.

Since 2016, the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation has awarded $2.7 million in grant funds to WFYI to support Side Effects and its expanded education reporting bureau.