The White House Millennium Lecture series is just one example of how the IPA reaches out to provide for the ongoing educational needs of the central Illinois community. The IPA also sponsored conferences and programs on public administration, environmental policy, and American literature. The IPA is unique in that it is one of the few public affairs institutions to house its own radio and television units. The IPA uses the units to expand the breadth and scope of its public education offerings and to enrich the cultural environment of central Illinois. Coverage of state government was made possible, in part, through the support of the Illinois Public Broadcasting Council and its member stations.
Listeners also support the station's presentation of quality entertainment programming .
In addition, the station produces and airs some of its own programming, including the broadcast of concerts by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra and the Illinois Chamber Orchestra. The service broadcasts newspapers, books, and magazines 24 hours per day, seven days a week. Listeners hear the programs on a special radio called a sideband receiver. Funding for the Radio Information Service is provided in part by the Illinois State Library, civic organizations, businesses, and individuals. This public-access channel offers an alternative to mass media and a voice to groups and individuals who might otherwise not be heard.