WDET’s General Manager Is Leaving to Join New Journalism Venture

WDET’s General Manager Michelle Srbinovich is leaving the station to pursue an opportunity with the American Journalism Project, a venture philanthropy initiative seeking to support local media.

Read a letter from Srbinovich to listeners below and click on the player above to hear WDET’s Pat Batcheller interview her.

Dear WDET Listener,

As you may have heard, after nearly a decade at WDET, I have accepted a position with the American Journalism Project. My last day as General Manager will be July 12th.

The American Journalism Project (AJP) is the first venture philanthropy organization dedicated to local news. On July 15th, I will join their team as Managing Director, Civic News Organization Success.

It’s a unique opportunity that will allow me to have a broader, national impact on the future of local, public-service media while remaining based in Detroit.

This was a difficult decision, but I’m pleased to share that WDET is well-positioned for continued growth:

• Our leadership team has recently completed a comprehensive strategic growth plan that puts WDET on a path to increased financial sustainability and service to the Detroit region
• Listener support is stronger than ever and has grown alongside new and more diversified revenue streams
• WDET delivered a balanced budget the last two consecutive years while reducing its reliance on our annual subsidy from Wayne State University
• WDET has increased our commitment to local journalism and is producing more local programming at a time when many newsrooms have cut back.

WDET’s licensee Wayne State University will be retaining a search firm to support the recruitment and hiring of a new general manager. In the interim, WSU Chief of Staff, Michael Wright, will continue to oversee the station with support from WDET’s leadership team. 

In the meantime, I encourage you to share any thoughts, questions or ideas you have with the WDET team at feedback@wdet.org.

It’s been an absolute honor to serve as the leader of this critically important public institution during a pivotal time in Detroit’s history. Nothing has been more rewarding than knowing our work has made a profound impact on our community. For that, I’m deeply grateful for the financial support of our listeners.  

I’ll forever be a believer in #TeamDET and look forward to celebrating the station’s 70th anniversary of service to Detroit as both a listener and Leadership Circle member.

With gratitude,

Michelle