Clark Smith

The MAB learned late last week that former WEMU-FM (Ypsilanti) News and Program Director Clark Smith passed away April 7 at the age of 74.  Originally hired as News Director in May of 1983, Smith was named Program Director in 2007 and filled both positions until David Fair was named News Director in August of 2012.  He retired May 3, 2013.

In a post on the station's Facebook page, WEMU wrote, "(that) over Clark’s 30 year career at WEMU, he laid the foundation for our local news coverage, focusing on community priorities like education, government, and healthcare. He brought in many talented announcers like Joan Silvi, Leoneda Inge, and Roger Adams, who went on to national recognition as well as current reporter, Kevin Meerschaert, and legendary Morning Edition host and current News Director, David Fair."

As Program Director, Smith strengthened WEMU’s midday jazz programming by adding music to the noon-1:00 p.m. time slot. Together with Music Director, Linda Yohn, he developed a new weekday evening sound, rooted in jazz, aimed at attracting a younger music audience, and created a roots and Americana music block on Saturdays with Roots Music Project, hosted by Jeremy Baldwin, and the syndicated programs Mountain Stage and American Routes.

Smith also served as WEMU’s sports director and was responsible for bringing in seasoned sportscaster, Matt Shepard, as the voice of EMU football.

At the time of his retirement, Smith said, "When I was in high school, I wanted to be in broadcasting. I'm one of the fortunate few who's been able to pursue that dream and hold onto it for a career, and I couldn't be more grateful to all those who helped me along the way, and all the wonderful people I've worked with all these years. I'm most grateful for WEMU's listeners who've made WEMU what it is today and glad I've been able to meet so many good people. It's just amazing to work for a station that values its audience so highly."

Clark is survived by his wife, Anne DeAngelis-Smith, daughters Meredith (Greg) Lescoe and Maureen Smith, son Joeseph (Natalie Brodie) Smith, brother Irvin (Betty) Smith, sister Carolyn Hallada. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alden and Frances Smith, and his brother Russel Smith.