Earlier this year, WDET made a significant commitment to serving metro Detroit with updates to its programming designed to bring more local coverage and locally curated music to the airwaves as we celebrate our 75th anniversary year. The response to these changes was very positive, as measured by listener ratings data, membership feedback, fundraising metrics, and via WDET’s annual listener survey results.  

On Monday, Nov. 25, WDET will refresh its programming schedule again with changes informed by additional input from our community. Sixty percent of the new schedule will feature local programming — up from 51% previously. We’ll include more daily local coverage of news, arts and culture, with more input and call-in dialogue from our listeners on an expanded The Metro, more local and national reporting on Morning Edition, and more opportunities for listeners to hear our one-of-a-kind music programming every weekday evening with an expanded weeknight music schedule.  

Other changes include more music overnights with rebroadcasts of In the Groove Monday-Friday starting at midnight; Jeremy Hobson’s The Middle joins WDET’s roster of national current affairs programming; Fresh Air adds a Friday episode; and On Point, Latino USA, Fresh Air Weekend, The Treatment and Sound Opinions will occupy new time slots.  

After almost a decade of service to WDET listeners, Stephen Henderson will wind up his tenure as a daily host with the conclusion of the program Created Equal. The nationally syndicated show On the Media will also be discontinued.  

“We want to thank and acknowledge Stephen Henderson for his important contributions to our city and our station. Although Created Equal will no longer be a part of our schedule, WDET remains committed to pursuing stories that highlight the challenges of inequality and the promise of opportunity in our communities, throughout our programming and journalism,” said WDET Program Director, Adam Fox. “We are extremely proud and grateful for Stephen’s tenure at WDET, and we know Stephen’s commitment to our community will continue.” 

General Manager Mary Zatina noted that, valuing transparency, WDET leadership made the choice to implement these changes now, before our Holiday On-Air Fundraiser, which begins on Dec. 3 and runs through Noel Night on Dec. 7.

“Growing listener and member bases and delivering the exceptional programming expected from WDET Public Radio is important as we improve our financial stability for the next 75 years serving Detroit,” Zatina said. “WDET ended Fiscal 2024 in a deficit, and we are working hard to improve our financial position.”     

Listeners can view the updated program schedule here or by going to wdet.org/schedule on Monday.

View a summary of the programming changes below.

Get ready for an up-close look at some of Detroit’s finest! Don Was, the Grammy-winning producer/bassist and WDET host, steps out from behind the scenes with a killer band that carries his name — a big move for someone who’s spent years making others shine.

In this session, Don talks with Essential Music host Ann Delisi about what it took to put his name on a project and pull together some of Detroit’s best musicians. They dive into how the band instantly clicked, how they’ve been repping Detroit on their recent 11-city tour and the album making process.

The Pan-Detroit Ensemble brings serious talent: Jeff Canady on drums, Luis Resto on keys, Wayne Gerard on guitar, Vincent Chandler on trombone, Dave McMurray on sax, John Douglas on trumpet, Mahindi Masai on percussion and Steffanie Christi’an on vocals. This video captures the raw energy of Detroit’s top talent, with unforgettable performances and real talk that’ll make you feel like you’re right there in the room. Don’t miss this WDET Rustbelt Session.

Last year, WDET launched a listener survey and heard from you about what you liked about WDET, what you didn’t, and where we could do better. That feedback — along with other data including membership and listener ratings and studies — helped inform changes to our offerings earlier this year.

Your continued feedback is essential to helping WDET leadership understand where we can best improve our service to metro Detroit, and that’s why we are committed to making our survey an annual exercise. This summer we once again reached out to WDET listeners to get their opinions on our programs and offerings.

Below is a summary of this year’s listener survey results.

Key survey findings

• You rated all WDET programs higher this year compared to 2023, with the average program rating score improving by 20%
• Music Programming, NPR news, and local news are the most preferred aspects of WDET programming
• Reported digital listenership increased by 5%, and radio listenership decreased by 3%
• More of you reported listening to WDET more — with 27% of respondents saying they listen more than 20 hours per week
• Less of you reported donating to WDET, compared with last year’s survey 
• More of you reported listening during weekday afternoons and weekend afternoons 

Who responded to the survey?

WDET targeted the survey to current listeners and members via messages on the air, at wdet.org, social media and e-newsletters. More than 900 people responded to an online survey in July and August 2024. 

Demographics

Listening Habits

Where Respondents Listen to WDET

No Data Found

BLKBOK is a Detroit-born classical piano prodigy who’s made a name for himself touring with pop superstars like John Mayer, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake and even Michael Jackson.

More recently, he’s stepped into the spotlight as a solo artist, fully embracing his classical roots while still incorporating modern influences.

Read more: BLKBOK shares inspiration behind his new album ‘9’

In this video, BLKBOK sits down with us to talk about the contrast between playing for huge pop acts and carving out his own voice as a solo performer. This beautifully shot video captures the energy in the room as BLKBOK performs three of his original compositions. It’s an up-close-and-personal look at his journey, both musically and personally.

You’ll feel like you’re right there with him at Rustbelt Studios, watching him redefine what’s possible on the piano.

Listen to Ann Delisi’s Essential Music every Saturday and Sunday starting at 11 a.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand at wdet.org.

I knew Winestoned Cowboys were a band to watch when they dropped their excellent Live at the Old Miami debut album.

That’s bold to lead with the live product but a smart move I hope more local bands follow. As it stands, most bands struggle to recreate the sound on their album on the stage. And Winestoned Cowboys delivered.

This is cosmic country at its finest — a musical blend of roots, Americana and outlaw country first and foremost, with sarcastic lyrics about loss, drugs, drinking and everything else you’d expect to come out of a dusty old saloon that this band would probably play.

We had to invite Winestoned Cowboys in for a Live on WDET session to see if they could strike magic once again. The seven-piece didn’t disappoint. This is by far one of the best sessions we’ve welcomed — and I’m happy to say Winestoned Cowboys will be performing at WDET’s upcoming event at Batch Brewery on Friday, Oct. 18!

You can grab your tickets at wdet.org/events.

Winestoned Cowboys is:

• Matt Horne – vocals and guitar
• Nick Cicchetti – bass
• Brenda Mahler – vocals
• Elliot Moses – high-strung acoustic guitar
• Bob Monteleone – lead guitar
• Jordan Siden – pedal steel guitar
• John Porter – drums

Listen to In the Groove weekdays from noon-3 p.m. ET on Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET and streaming on-demand at wdet.org.

As if there weren’t already plenty of reasons to support WDET, we are offering up a host of new gifts to entice listeners to become sustaining members during our 2024 Fall Fundraiser.

This year, we expanded our local music and news programming by 40%. With half of our operating budget funded by donors like you, it is imperative that each and every listener who values the important work we do step up, and make a gift to help sustain what has been a cultural staple in Detroit for the past 75 years.

Check out some of our premium gifts for sustaining members below to showcase your Detroit Public Radio fandom while helping to support this vital resource for Detroiters!

This has been a pivotal year for WDET.

Not only have we heeded the calls from our members and listeners for more local music programming, we have doubled down on our investment in robust, local journalism — expanding our local music and news shows by a whopping 40%.

Read more: WDET announces new programming in 2024 with more local shows 

This investment in more local programming has come with a financial cost. But what has cost us financially, we have gained in the many connections we continue to build by reflecting the stories, music, art, and culture that makes Detroit and the people who live here so special.

There are plenty of great reasons to support WDET, from helping to fund fair and accurate political coverage during a critically important election year, to helping us bolster the rich music history of our city and region — allowing us to lift new artists and reflect the evolution of Detroit music.

WDET has been a legacy cultural asset of Detroit for 75 years, and now, we need your support to help us keep that momentum going.

The fall on-air fundraiser is the perfect time to become a WDET sustaining member or a first-time giver — not only because 50% of our operating budget is funded by donors, but also because our team has come up with some awesome incentives for listeners who choose to donate during fundraiser.

Win a trip for two to Morocco

Now through Sept. 22, listeners who donate will automatically be entered into a drawing for two tickets to WDET’s 15-day Colors of Morocco trip, taking place Sept. 4-18, 2025.

A more than $13,000 value, this once in a lifetime trip will feature a visit to the ancient markets and medinas in Fes — one of the holiest cities in the world — as well as an unforgettable visit to a luxury desert camp in the Sahara Desert and a taste of Moroccan culture with a cooking class in Marrakech.

The winner will be selected on Sept. 24. Visit wdet.org/event/wdet-travel-morocco-2025 for more trip details.

Have lunch with the WDET News team

Listeners who make a gift during Morning Edition from 5-9 a.m. weekdays or Weekend Edition from 8-10 a.m. on weekends throughout the Fall Fundraiser will be entered into a drawing for a catered lunch and conversation about current affairs with WDET’s news team at the studio.

Five winners will be selected.

Win a year of shows, events at Spot Lite

Listeners who donates to WDET during In The Groove with Ryan Patrick Hooper from 12-4 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday this week will be entered into a drawing for two tickets to all events or performances at Spot Lite Detroit for a full year. 

Enjoy charcuterie and conversation with WDET reporters

Listen to All Things Considered with host Russ McNamara this week from 4-6 p.m. for your chance to have dinner with Russ and WDET news reporter Quinn Klinefelter on Oct. 1 at The Rind in Berkley! All you need to do is donate to the 2024 WDET Fall Fundraiser during the show.

Earn a tour of Detroit history, books from Source Booksellers

Listeners who make a gift during Created Equal with Stephen Henderson from 9-10 a.m. weekdays before Sept. 20 will be entered into a drawing for a special historical tour of the city with Jamon Jordan, a long-time friend of the show and Detroit’s first official historian.

The winner will also receive six books from Source Booksellers, curated by Stephen Henderson himself.

Earn tickets to Dearborn’s Yalla Eat! food tour

Listeners who donate to WDET during The Metro can win two tickets to the Arab American National Museum, as well as two tickets to the museum’s Yalla Eat! Culinary Walking Tour, which takes guests along a curated food tour in East Dearborn. They will also take a home a book of poetry signed by Michigan Poet Laureate Nandi Comer.

Win a family membership to MOCAD

Listeners who donate to WDET during The Metro from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. can win a family membership to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Detroit for two adults and up to four minors, providing free admission to galleries, most programming at the museum and members-only events.

Earn a Dearborn Music Stones package

Tune in to The Detroit Move with Mike Latulippe Tuesday from 8-9 p.m. and make a gift of any amount for a chance to win a limited edition Rolling Stones “More Hot Rocks” 2LP Glow in the Dark Vinyl ($70 value); a $40 gift certificate to Dearborn Music and a WDET tote bag zip up.

Win a gift certificate to Ripe Records

Listeners who donate to WDET during MI Local with Jeff Milo from 9-10 p.m. on Tuesday can win a $50 gift card to Ripe Records in Grosse Pointe Park. 

Check back for updates on incentives planned for WDET’s fall on-air fundraiser. Or, tune in to WDET at 101.9 FM to hear the latest incentives being offered before our Fall Fundraiser ends Sept. 24.

Get ready for Ghost-Note, the dynamic ensemble led by Snarky Puppy’s multi-Grammy-winning percussion duo Robert “Sput” Searight and Nate Werth.

The group takes over WDET’s airwaves in an exclusive live performance at Rustbelt Studios. Hosted by Ann Delisi, this session features the band in full force, delivering a powerful blend of funk, Afrobeat, hip-hop and psychedelia. With an impressive roster of musicians, Ghost-Note is pushing the boundaries of modern funk music.

In this special segment, you’ll not only witness Ghost-Note’s explosive live performances, but also dive into an insightful interview with Searight and Werth. The duo shares the story behind the band’s formation, their wide-ranging influences — from the iconic sounds of James Brown and Prince to the deep grooves of Detroit — and how they’re revolutionizing the future of funk.

The conversation is interwoven with stellar performances by the entire band, featuring Robert “Sput” Searight on drums, Nate Werth on percussion, Dominique Xavier Taplin on keyboards, Jonathan Mones on alto sax and flute, Daniel Wytanis on trombone, Jam McK on bass, Xavier Lynn on guitar, and Mackenzie on vocals.

Don’t miss this must-see performance as Ghost-Note gears up for their set at the Detroit Jazz Festival, happening Sunday at Hart Plaza.