Why did WDET make this schedule change?

Southeast Michigan news consumers are underserved. There are too few opportunities for curious adults to stay informed. The dual phenomenon of diminishing local news and consolidated, polarized national news services is a major concern in our society. This change is WDET’s response to the listener feedback that people want rational, informed news and conversation about the issues facing our region.

WDET is committed to providing the entire Southeast Michigan region with relevant, high quality news and information and smart, hand-picked music. These changes will make more news and information available and create many more opportunities for people to engage in the Detroit conversation locally and nationally.

It is certain that this change will not please every listener. All we can ask is that people give the new programs and times an open-minded listen and then decide how it works.

Will WDET reinstate local music programming to the weekday?

While there is no denying the fan’s passion for WDET’s pre-2006 schedule, the world has changed and WDET is reflecting the changing reality through its evolving public service mission. As a station that provides both national and local news and information, WDET is striving to provide Southeast Michigan residents with substantive, relevant and responsive programming. At the same time, WDET can embrace the fact that people want to hear music that reflects the tastes and interests of the region and is proud of the new weekend schedule which includes more local music programming. 

What is the new weekend schedule and what are the new music programs?

The new weekend schedule is a combination of popular, existing programs that are highly favored by our listeners, for example, This American Life, Weekend Edition Saturday, Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me, On the Media, Speaking of Faith and new arrivals like Acoustic Café, Sound Opinions and a variety of new music programs. The new, locally-produced contemporary music programs have been created in response to very clear listener request and will be hosted by Jon Moshier, Rob Reinhart and Nick Austin. These programs will join current WDET music hosts Michael Julien, Jay Butler and Ed Love every weekend.

What happened to Folks Like Us, The Arkansas Traveler and Deep River?

These shows are no longer heard on WDET. Our listeners have been very clear that they would like WDET to present more programming like “Ann Delisi’s Essential Music.”

What happened to Car Talk, Weekend Edition Sunday and The Tavis Smiley Show?

With the addition of new local music programming, there were fewer hours for syndicated programming and, as a result, these shows are no longer heard on WDET. Listeners can still hear these programs on line or subscribe to their podcasts: (Car Talk, Weekend Edition Sunday, The Tavis Smiley Show )

Why did WDET change the name of Detroit Today to The Craig Fahle Show?

As Detroit Today has grown, evolved and found its voice, Craig has been a key part of the evolution and listeners tell us they turn to him for an informed, fair and thorough view into the issues affecting the region. This change reflects Craig’s role as the program’s primary editorial driver and the key element in the program’s identity.

Quinn Klinefelter was a co-host of Detroit Today. What is Quinn doing now?

Quinn Klinefelter is now covering Detroit’s City Hall and Michigan politics, the beat where he has distinguished himself over the last several years. As WDET has reported for months, the recent elections are nothing short of transformative and WDET needs a full time reporter with deep knowledge mapping this historic shift.  It is worth noting that WDET currently has two full time reporters covering Southeast Michigan. Klinefelter's reporting presence will give WDET three full time general assignment reporters.