In a fitting tribute on International Jazz Day 2026 (4/30), Eastern Michigan University proudly celebrates 89.1 WEMU’s achievement as the number‑one non‑commercial jazz radio station in the nation by market share, based on Nielsen Audio’s Spring and Fall 2025 ratings. WEMU earned a 4.0 market share in the Ann Arbor Metro market, placing it ahead of the second‑ranked station in Huntsville, Alabama, which posted a 3.8 share.

“All credit for this ranking goes to our talented music programmers and our vibrant arts community,” said WEMU General Manager Molly Motherwell. “There are a lot of choices for radio and a lot of choices for music in this area, so it says a great deal about the quality of our programming. We were thrilled to receive this news.”

The station’s national leadership in jazz comes at a time of significant growth and renewal. Earlier this year, WEMU completed its move from King Hall into new, state‑of‑the‑art studios inside EMU’s Halle Library, a transformational upgrade that enhances production capabilities, strengthens student engagement, and positions the station for its next era of service.

WEMU’s jazz legacy runs deep. The station will mark 50 years of its jazz format in 2027, reflecting a half‑century commitment to the music and the artists who shape it. WEMU was also one of the founding partners of the Detroit Jazz Festival, helping launch what has become the world’s largest free jazz festival and a defining cultural institution for the region. Today, WEMU continues that legacy through expansive jazz programming, artist interviews, and annual festival coverage.

A listener‑supported NPR affiliate, WEMU offers a distinctive blend of jazz, blues, and roots music programming, along with in-depth local news, combined with NPR’s national news and cultural programming. The station broadcasts to an eight‑county region -- covering all or parts of Washtenaw, Wayne, Oakland, Livingston, Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe, and Lucas (OH) counties -- and streams live 24 hours a day at wemu.org.