Krol Communications' WHMI-FM (Howell) has announced the launch of “Meet the People,” a new show in which Livingston County residents connect with area newsmakers and decision-makers whose actions directly impact their daily lives.

Recorded in front of a live studio audience, “Meet the People” will feature round-table discussions with community leaders, influencers and elected officials, addressing the issues that matter most to area residents.

The inaugural episode, which examines how Livingston County agencies and departments are working together to keep area roads safe, will be taped next Wednesday (9/17) at Ciao Amici’s restaurant in Brighton. The show will feature:

• Lt. Rene Gonzalez, Public Information Officer with the Michigan State Police’s First District
Headquarters.
• Chief Bonnie Unruh, who recently made history as South Lyon’s first female chief.
• And Chief Brent Pirochta of Brighton.

“Meet the People” builds upon WHMI’s commitment to local journalism and represents a fresh approach to local news programming, focusing on education, community engagement and dialogue, said WHMI General Manager Rich Renko. “‘Meet the People’ fills a critical gap in how our community connects with its leaders and represents WHMI’s continued commitment to serving Livingston County with timely, informative news programming that puts residents’ needs first,” Renko said. “We’re creating a space for genuine and constructive dialogue about the issues that affect Livingston County residents – from local-government decisions to state-level policies – and helping pave the way for real results that benefit everyone.”

WHMI's Chuck Edwards and Madison June

Hosted by Brighton native, journalist and communications executive Matthew Hutchison, “Meet the People” will be taped in front of a live studio audience, ensuring that local voices remain at the center of
each discussion. Episodes will be posted to whmi.com, excerpted within WHMI newscasts and shared on the station’s Facebook platform to invite additional community engagement.

The station also announced that they will air the first annual “WHMI Cares” Radiothon, to benefit the Livingston County United Way, Salvation Army, Gleaners Community Food Bank and Lacasa Center to assist those in need in their community. The thirteen-hour Radiothon will be held on Thursday, October 9 from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will be hosted by morning show personalities Chuck Edwards and Madison June and will originate from the station's Howell studios.

Local dignitaries and community members from throughout the Livingston County and surrounding areas will also be on hand.

WHMI morning show host Chuck Edwards commenting: “We don’t have to look too far down the street to find someone having a harder time than ourselves. Our area is blessed to have an action-oriented community that deeply cares for our neighbors.”