When Judy Adams opens her microphone on Friday, Oct. 15 at 9 a.m., it will mark an important milestone in the long career of one of Detroit's most listened-to and respected radio personalities. Adams, who is celebrating her 30th year at WDET, will be broadcasting her 7,000th program as Detroit Public Radio's on-air pledge drive begins. In addition to her job hosting "The Judy Adams Program" weekdays from 9 to 11a.m., she has also served as the station's program director for the past 20 years.

Adams began her career in commercial radio working at some of Detroit's most legendary stations as WXYZ-AM, WRIF and WWWW. She has been recognized with countless awards during her career and was most recently nominated as "AAA Programmer of the Year" by Radio & Records magazine and won the American Women in Radio and Television award of "Outstanding Woman in Radio - Top Management" in 1991. Her leadership at WDET has also helped the station earn an impressive list of awards including the recent "Detroit's Best Radio Station" award from HOUR Detroit magazine. In an industry dominated by men in top management positions, Adams has proven herself her programming vision that has transformed WDET into one of the most recognized stations in the country.

"I remember when I started in 1974, many people didn't even know about WDET," said Adams. "Over the past 30 years, our audience has quadrupled and our mission at WDET continues to focus on bringing listeners quality local music programs that educate, enrich and entertain our community and to provide news and information that serves everyone."

WDET's fall on-air fundraiser also begins on October 15 and is always a celebration of the station's programming and service to the community. Adams' 30th anniversary will also be recognized with another special premium, "An Evening with the A la Carte All-Stars," that includes guests from Adams' popular "A la Carte" food segment that airs each Wednesday at 9:45am. A strolling dinner featuring fine foods from The Palm Restaurant, Merchant's Fine Wine, Zingerman's Deli, Gayle's Chocolates and Avalon Breads will be held at Detroit's Century Club on Feb. 10, 2005.

More than 90 percent of the station's operating budget comes from the private sector and WDET has extra-special premiums to thank listeners for their continued support. Among the offerings is "WDET's Evening With Pat Metheny," the WDET gray hooded sweatshirt, the WDET MemberCard, and a WDET pet dish. Listeners can make their tax-deductible pledge by calling 1-800-959-WDET or see all the premiums and member benefits and donate online at wdetfm.org.