Detroit’s Public Radio Station
From our studios in Midtown Detroit, WDET 101.9FM creates and curates an award-winning mix of news, music and cultural content that is unique as the city and region we serve. As Detroit’s flagship NPR station, WDET broadcasts and contributes to popular national shows like Morning Edition and All Things Considered in addition to producing over 60 hours of original local programming each week.
As a community service of Wayne State University, we use the power of our broadcast and digital channels to inspire and educate listeners at home and away. Our radio signal is one of the most powerful in southeast Michigan and extends to northwest Ohio and southwest Ontario. Each week, we reach a growing audience of over 200,000 listeners and can be heard online around the world through WDET.org and the WDET mobile app.
For over 70 years, WDET has provided an independent voice for the Detroit region. Founded by the United Auto Workers in 1948, Wayne State University has held WDET’s license since 1952 to serve in the public interest. Support for WDET comes from Wayne State, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and through private donors and corporate underwriting. More than half of our annual operating revenue is contributed directly by listeners.
Mission & Vision
WDET is the authentic voice of Detroit. We serve an engaged, diverse and curious audience through trusted news, inclusive conversations and cultural experiences that empower our community to move forward.
To accomplish this mission, WDET is committed to:
- Expanding the reach and impact of our award-winning local journalism service;
- Leading as a significant voice for the arts and a cultural convener;
- Contributing to the regional vitality by serving as a leader in Detroit’s national and international media presence
Programming & Events
WDET is Detroit’s most active promoter of local music, a significant voice for arts and culture and one of the few remaining providers of local news. As a cultural resource, WDET produces innovative programming that reflects our rich history and diverse community, while exposing listeners to new ideas and hundreds of other local arts organizations.
From hand-picked playlists to thought-provoking conversations, our local programming is distinctively Detroit. National programs from trusted partners like NPR provide a window to the world, exposing Detroiters to new ideas and building a deeper understanding of complex issues.
WDET hosts bring their passion and wealth of knowledge to each show and bring audiences into the conversation. Our award-winning journalists and producers deliver facts and diverse perspectives that encourage listeners to make up their own minds.
WDET is committed to enhancing life in Detroit through independent journalism and meaningful community engagement. Our in-depth local reporting helps residents make informed decisions, strengthening the social fabric of our region by promoting civic and government transparency and accountability. Locally produced programs and special initiatives provide a megaphone for voices that often go unheard and provide platforms for Detroiters to tell their own stories. Events produced by WDET and our partners provide opportunities to experience local culture, be inspired by thought-leaders and creators, connect with like-minded people and bridge divides.
Editorial Standards & Transparency
WDET is committed to providing independent and accurate journalism, both on-air and online. As a public media entity, WDET makes every effort to be as transparent as possible in order to comply with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).
We value the public’s trust and subscribe to the Public Media Code of Integrity, Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics, NPR Ethics Guidelines, and the standards of editorial independence adopted by the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN).
Our organization retains full authority over editorial content to protect the best journalistic and business interests of our organization. We maintain a firewall between news coverage decisions and sources of all revenue. Acceptance of financial support does not constitute implied or actual endorsement of donors or their products, services or opinions. We accept gifts, grants, and sponsorships from individuals and organizations for the general support of our activities, but our news judgments are made independently and not on the basis of donor support. Our organization may consider donations to support the coverage of particular topics, but our organization maintains editorial control of the coverage. We will cede no right of review or influence of editorial content, nor of unauthorized distribution of editorial content. We do not accept anonymous restricted gifts for our news programming and will accept anonymous donations for general support only if it is clear that sufficient safeguards have been put into place that the expenditure of that donation is made independently by our organization and in compliance with INN’s Membership Standards. Individual donors, underwriters, and foundations that provide more than $5,000 in a year are listed here.
Financial Support
WDET is a non-profit that relies on donations from individual members, underwriters, and organizations that support our mission. More than half of our annual operating support comes directly from listeners and local businesses. Donations to the station are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. WDET does not accept anonymous restricted gifts for its news programming and diligently announces sponsors who contribute $5,000 or more in support of specific programs or initiatives.
A number of initiatives are also made possible through grants from the following organizations:
Corporation for Public Broadcasting, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts, The Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, The Kyle John Rymiszewski Foundation and Democracy Fund