WDET’s Fall On-Air Fundraiser continues to underscore importance of radio that is intertwined with community. As the cuts made to public media funding go into effect, it’s more clear than ever that the essential services that WDET provides is reliant on listener support—that is to say, our independence depends on you.

From a studio in Midtown Detroit, our team of dedicated journalists and music hosts strive to inform residents across metro Detroit of what’s going on in their neighborhoods and showcase the best in music and culture.

They can only continue to share authentic local perspectives on the airwaves with your support.

Help us end the fiscal year strong. If you rely on WDET as your source of news, music, and conversation, donate now at wdet.org/give.

Keep the groove going

During the fundraiser, WDET is treating listeners to an extended playlist. In The Groove will play tunes for an additional hour, ending at 4 p.m. in time for All Things Considered. Evening music shows will start at 7 p.m., replacing On Point. 

Membership has its perks

Members who choose to power WDET receive benefits throughout the year, including invitations to members-only events and offers such as pre-sale tickets, discounts, and opportunities to attend special events.

One of the ways we say “thank you” when you become a member is exclusive WDET swag and experiences. You can select a thank you gift each time you make a qualifying gift of support.

New gifts available

This fundraiser marks the debut of new WDET merchandise, so you can wear your support on your sleeve… or on your mug, or your keychain. 

And be sure to check out our list of thank you gifts for unique cultural experiences organized by WDET, like an essential music studio tour and live Dames Brown performance or the Motown on the Menu “vinyl tasting” with Ryan Patrick Hooper.

Thank you to our sponsors

Honoring their longtime neighbor Mary Lou Kouba, Dr. Nelia Afonso and Dr. George Alangaden are helping WDET-FM 101.9 expand its internship program through a new gift that supports Wayne State University students as well as others across a range of disciplines.  

Afonso and Alangaden have previously donated the bequest Kouba left to them to support access to education and opportunities at Wayne State. In 2023, they established the Mary Lou Kouba Endowed Memorial Scholarship in environmental science to honor Kouba’s dedication to fighting for equality and justice. 

With this new donation on her behalf, Afonso and Alangaden support WDET’s robust paid internship opportunities for Wayne State students and other local young professionals for the next five years.  

Afonso and Alangaden often talked about the news with Kouba. “She had this wonderful outlook on life and taking risks. She was a fierce supporter of independent journalism and the press,” says Afonso. With this gift in her memory, the couple hopes to see young people take to the field and develop creative ways to bring unbiased news to the forefront. 

WDET internships prepare students for success

WDET’s many paid learning opportunities provide hands-on, holistic experiences that educate and prepare the next generation of media professionals. With more than 24 different internship opportunities, the program attracts students from a variety of disciplines to work in reporting, production, marketing, music, business operations and more. Fourteen interns are working at WDET this summer. 

As part of their internships, students are immersed in the media profession and have access to coaching and development workshops. Interns get hands-on experience and have the chance to meet notable visitors. 

“Our interns are out in the field interviewing people, traveling across the state. They get that experience, and that’s what makes us different,” says WDET Strategic Initiatives Manager Diane Sanders, who directs the internship program. “I want our interns to see that there’s a lot they can do with their degree.” 

All of WDET’s internship roles are paid positions, which Sanders says is important for providing access to opportunities, in alignment with Wayne State’s mission. Afonso and Alangaden’s donation will cover the cost of two interns a year for five years with some additional funding. 

“We are grateful for the generous gift from Dr. Nelia Afonso and Dr. George Alangaden, which will support WDET’s work in preparing the next generation of media professionals,” said Dr. Keith Whitfield, interim provost and senior vice president of academic affairs. “As a community service of Wayne State University, WDET plays a key role in fostering connection, community and opportunity in Detroit, which includes its fantastic internship opportunities.” 

With this gift, Afonso and Alangaden join other major supporters of WDET’s internship program, including Michigan Central, the Harry A. and Margaret D. Towsley Foundation, the Ralph L. and Winifred E. Polk Foundation, the May Mitchell Royal Family Foundation, a 2025 Wayne State Presidential College to Career Pilot Award, as well as a number of other individual donors. 

For more information about WDET’s internship program, visit WDET’s internship page.

This story was cross-posted with WSU’s Division of Academic Affairs.