WDET-101.9 FM, Detroit’s NPR station, has reason to celebrate — the Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) named it the 2021 Public Radio Station of the Year.

The honor was announced earlier this month at the annual Broadcast Excellence Awards, which recognize outstanding achievement in broadcasting by commercial and public television and radio stations in Michigan. In 2021, more than 939 nominations were entered in the competition. WDET competes in Group 2 of the Public Radio Broadcast Excellence Award divisions, which is for stations with budgets of more than $2 million.

“We are extremely honored to have received this award from MAB and share this honor with all of our members and listeners who have supported us over the years,” said WDET General Manager Mary Zatina. “This award is for Detroit and Detroiters. We are a station for the community, by the community, and their support and input makes us better each year. WDET will continue putting its connection to the community at the core of our operations.”

In addition to being named the Public Radio Station of the Year, WDET won numerous awards for its news and programming throughout 2021:

• Best Newscast: 5 a.m. news with Pat Batcheller (April 1, 2021)
• Best Mini Documentary or Series: “The Constitution” — Detroit Today Book Club read the U.S. Constitution and the WDET news team covered its relevance in the news
• Best Feature/Use of Media:  Laura Herberg’s report, “Why Does Steam Sometimes Come Out of Manhole Covers in Detroit?”
• Best Membership Appeal: “I’m Too Sexy skit” by Sam Beaubien and Ryan Hooper
• Best Musical Programming: “Guitar Riffs at 50” by Rob Reinhart
• Best Use of New Media: Science of Grief Podcast
• Numerous Merit Awards were also won for WDET programming, including the Artists Next Door Series; Jon Mosher’s Vintage Library Production Music feature; the Broken Car Explainer membership appeal; Ann Delisi’s “Marvin Gaye What’s Going On 50th Anniversary”; and “Threats to Future Elections are Real. Here’s What’s Being Done to Protect Democracy” by the Detroit Today with Stephen Henderson team and “Two Legends: A Conversation Between Ed Love and Dennis Archer,” which was honored in the Special Interest and Cultural Programming category.  

WDET’s winning entries can be heard at WDET's website. The full winner list and links to watch/listen to winning entries can be found now at BroadcastExcellenceAwards.com.

About WDET

WDET is Detroit’s NPR station and a community service of Wayne State University. From in-depth community reporting to national news coverage from NPR, WDET is a reliable source for credible information and news. Its mix of local and national programming is produced by award-winning journalists who highlight diverse perspectives and invite local voices into the conversations. WDET’s mission is to be an authentic voice of Detroit.