WDET announces new programming with more local shows coming to Detroit public radio

As part of its 75th anniversary celebration, Detroit public radio station 101.9 WDET is increasing its local programming, increasing its locally-hosted music shows, and revamping its schedule beginning Feb. 5, 2024. In addition to airing on traditional airwaves, the music and news will continue to be available on the free WDET mobile app and streamed at wdet.org so audiences around the world can be part of the Motor City’s programming.

A recent survey revealed that WDET’s most faithful listeners craved more of what makes the station stand out from other offerings — exclusive Detroit-centric news, music and cultural programming.

“We take great pride in delivering what our listeners want from WDET,” said General Manager Mary Zatina. “A recent survey overwhelmingly showed that people turn to WDET to discover the vibrant music and stories that make Detroit unique. They are less interested in repeats of national programming that they can access elsewhere. We listened and are delivering an evolution of our entire lineup with incredible Detroit-focused programming that will reward our faithful listeners and attract new audiences.”

New Monday-Friday daytime programs include:

• Created Equal (9-10 a.m., re-airs 7-8 p.m.): A daily one-hour program about the challenge of inequality and the promise of opportunity. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson leads conversations that highlights lessons to be learned from the city that built America.

• The Metro (11 a.m. to noon, re-airs 10-11p.m.) A daily one-hour news and culture magazine for the city of Detroit, co-hosted by Nick Austin and Tia Graham.

• In the Groove (noon-3 p.m.): A daily three-hour music program hosted by Ryan Patrick Hooper with the latest in independent and non-commercial music.

To reflect Detroit’s legacy more deeply as a global music city, WDET has added six new evening music programs hosted by bona fide members of Detroit’s music community. New Monday-Saturday 8-10 p.m. programs include:

• Visions with Kaleigh Wilder (Mondays, 8-10 p.m.): A celebration of jazz in all genres from 1969 to today with Detroit-based baritone saxophonist, improviser and Kresge artist fellow Kaleigh Wilder.

• The Detroit Move (Tuesdays, 8-9 p.m.): Hosted by Detroit garage rock veteran Mike Latulippe of The Hentchmen, The Paybacks and more, this program connects the dots between Detroit’s immense and continuing contributions to rock, soul and rhythm and blues.

• MI Local (Tuesdays, 9-10 p.m.): Featuring the best local and regional talent, MI Local exposes diverse emerging artists, bands and acts, especially those performing live in the area’s clubs. Hosted by veteran local music journalist Jeff Milo.

• The Boulevard with Waajeed (Wednesdays, 8-10 p.m.): Dance music producer, and Founder of Underground Music Academy, and DJ Waajeed (Slum Village, Dirt Tech Reck) is a key player in the development of contemporary music in Detroit for over two decades. The Boulevard features house, techno, electro, and all forms of dance music.

• Alternate Take with Liz Warner (Thursdays, 8-10 p.m.): Formerly known on WDET airwaves from 1995-2007 as Liz Copeland, Liz Warner will explore music that has impacted and continues to influence Detroit’s creative community. Liz is returning to Detroit from Los Angeles where she hosted a radio show there for seven years.

• The New Music Show with Shigeto (Saturdays, 8-10 p.m.): Hosted by Shigeto, a Hamtramck-based drummer, electronic music producer and DJ, The New Music Show will provide a platform to champion underrepresented and independent music releases and artists.

• The popular Don Was Motor City Playlist with legendary record producer and musician Don Was and WDET music host Ann Delisi will be heard earlier on Fridays from 8-10 p.m. and repeated on Sunday at 10 p.m.

These new programs will complement WDET’s current music shows, including Ann Delisi’s Essential Music, Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music, Modern Music with Jon Moshier, The Progressive Underground with Chris Campbell, Acoustic Café with Rob Reinhart, This Island Earth with Ismael Ahmed, Destination Jazz hosted by the legendary Ed Love, and Jay’s Place with Jay Butler.

Longtime WDET journalist Amanda LeClaire will bolster the coverage provided by the station’s news team. She’ll anchor midday newscasts, report on breaking news, and produce interviews and features on a wide range of issues. LeClaire will also manage WDET’s CuriosiD podcast, where Detroiters ask questions and WDET reporters research and answer those questions through monthly feature stories and interviews.

WDET is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its first broadcast on Feb. 13, 1949 with a members-only reception on Feb. 13, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. at Jam Handy in Detroit. The event will feature WDET’s new and returning lineup of hosts and highlight station activities for the year to come.