Introducing the Baker Center for Public Media in Tucson, Ariz

It's the dawn of a new era for public media in Southern Arizona. Made possible through the generous support of more than 1,500 donors and community partners, the Paul & Alice Baker Center for Public Media marks a transformative new chapter for AZPM. After nearly 70 years of operating from the basement of the Modern Languages building on the University of Arizona campus, AZPM's new home points toward a future defined by innovation, collaboration, and a continued commitment to serving as a trusted source of content, educational services, and community engagement. The Baker Center is a $65 million, state-of-the-art facility and one of the few public media centers in the nation built entirely through philanthropic support. Spanning 61,500 square feet, the facility positions AZPM at the forefront of innovation in public broadcasting and media production. The highest levels of technology, acoustic precision, and architectural innovation were incorporated into the spaces utilized by AZPM's NPR 89.1, Classical 90.5, a growing slate of radio productions and podcasts, production studios, and an audio performance studio for live and recorded sessions. With high visibility and ease of community access, the Baker Center for Public Media is designed as a public square—a convening place for public debates, presentations, screenings, and events for generations to come. A key feature is the 5,000-square-foot Studio A, equipped with floor-level retractable seating and permanent balcony seating. Serving as both a television production studio and a flexible gathering space, Studio A reflects the Center’s mission to foster community connection and civic engagement. Producer: John Booth Videographer/Editor: Nate Huffman