Program Format
WDET is the National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate for metro Detroit. WDET presents a programming
format of high quality arts and information grounded in news, American and world eclectic music
variety and jazz. This format was selected because no other radio station in this market targets
adult listeners who came of age in the rock and roll and jazz eras ("Baby Boomers") who have an
affinity for programming built on a foundation of arts, culture and news/public affairs.
WDET-FM provides NPR news on-the-hour 24 hours a day, seven days a week and pays particular
attention to the "root" music types reflecting America's diverse cultural influences blues, jazz
and folk. The specific breakdown of programming is as follows:
41% Contemporary Music Variety
1
33% News & Information, Discussion/Interviews, Spoken Word Features
12% Jazz
4% Blues/R&B
4% Folk/Bluegrass/Celtic
2% Afropop/Worldbeat
2% Classical mix
2% Electronica
1 Contemporary Music Variety is defined as an eclectic mix of all of the music categories listed above, plus Creative Rock.
History
WDET-FM was given to Wayne State University in 1952 by the United Auto Workers union. The UAW
(UAW-CIO as it was then known) had operated the radio station for four years, broadcasting public
service programming to its union membership and to the general public.
The UAW was not an educational institution and was therefore ineligible for an "educational
reserved" radio frequency, usually found at the far right or left ends of the radio dial. WDET's
highly desirable dial position (101.9) is the legacy of its union beginnings and makes for the
unusual situation of a commercial radio frequency being used for a public radio station.
Ownership and Operations
WDET is licensed to Wayne State University by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Application for renewal is made every seven years. The station is subject to the rules and
regulations set forth by the FCC but is wholly owned by Wayne State.
WDET broadcasts a 48,000 watt signal covering a 40-60 mile radius of metropolitan Detroit, and
reaching into Ohio and Ontario, Canada. It is the third most powerful FM radio signal in southeast
Michigan, available to a population of nearly four million people in 20 counties. WDET's
transmitter is located at 105 West Canfield in Detroit, along with its 562-foot broadcast tower,
erected in January 1996.
Address Information
WDET-FM actively solicits the comments of its listeners. If you wish additional information, contact:
WDET, 4600 Cass Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201; Telephone: (313) 577-4146; E-Mail: wdetfm@wdetfm.org;
Fax: (313) 577-1300.
About WDET
