Here is a little enlightenment from today's Detroit Free Press by radio-Tv writer John Smyntek


WDET choice stirs up criticism

September 21, 2004


We yield the floor this morning to Ed Christian, president and CEO of Grosse Pointe Farms-based Saga Communications, learned broadcaster and influential Wayne State University graduate: "I have been an observer of WDET for many years now and I am concerned that the station management is living in a vacuum. WDET management doesn't understand the need to program to a large constituency. Our other public alternative, WUOM, does. WDET chooses to place their imprimatur on the station based on their own perceptions and tastes."

Christian states the case of many irate public radio listeners in metro Detroit who will no longer hear Tavis Smiley, Terry Gross, the Magliozzi brothers from "Car Talk," Ira Glass and his "This American Life" and others cut last week.

Sminty says blame AAA -- a radio format known as alternative adult album. The music is largely by critically acclaimed but not best-selling artists, and during some periods, jazz. It is what WDET's Judy Adams, Martin Bandyke and most of the other WDET air personalities play, with only National Public Radio's "Morning Edition" and "All Things Considered" intervening.

Any chance of the shows, including folkster Matt Watroba's and bluegrasser Larry McDaniel's Saturday efforts, being restored? "None," says WDET general manager Caryn Mathes.

WDET, for better or worse, is no longer an audio department store that tried to satisfy lots of people at least some of the time with small-block, diverse programming. By sticking to music that appeals to a very engaged listener with fewer programming seams -- think cool music for cool people -- Mathes now hopes to build a core audience who stay with 101.9 for longer periods.

The risks? In a music market where savvy listeners are turning to satellite radio and MP3 players, WDET might be aiming at people who have figuratively left the church. And at a time when some argue that public broadcasters should be focusing on the serious matters of presidential politics, urban woes, international terror and turmoil, WDET shows it prefers the role of musician. (New schedule at www.wdetfm.org.)