Jerome Vaughn (photo credit: Annie Scaramuzzino)

Longtime WDET-FM (Detroit) News Director Jerome Vaughn has retired after 34 years with the station. Vaughn joined WDET in January 1992 and has worked as an intern, producer, reporter, Assistant News Director, Senior News Editor, Executive Producer, News/Program Director, and Interim Program Director.  He was appointed News Director in 2007.

Vaughn’s interest in news reporting began when he was five years old, after his mom bought him a yellow Panasonic ball and chain radio. He grew up listening to broadcast legends such as Walter Cronkite, Charles Collingwood, and Eric Sevareid.   ”I was one of those kids who slept with a radio on my nightstand," said Vaughn. "And even now, I’m one of those people, if I’m driving around late at night, I’m flipping around on the AM radio to see what station I can get from how far away.”

In 1987, Vaughn received his B.A. in psychology and creative writing from the University of Michigan.  In 1996, he received his M.A. in Radio, TV, Film from Wayne State University.

His dedication to ethical, accurate reporting has earned him many recognitions over the years, including awards from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Michigan Associated Press, and Society of Professional Journalists. Vaughn was selected for NPR’s Diversity Initiative and Mid-Career Fellowships. He is a recipient of the Helen Thomas Spirit of Diversity Award. Vaughn was inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame in 2018 and was awarded a Poynter Media Transformation Challenge fellowship in 2022.

Vaughn has been a passionate mentor for WDET interns and beyond. He’s helped kickstart many careers in broadcast, and is always ready to help more young journalists build the skills and networks needed to enter the field.

“I knew that I wasn’t gonna be here, working at WDET in my 90s. I want to make sure that there’s quality public radio being created, you know, so that I can enjoy it after I’ve retired,” Jerome told WDET with a wry smile.

“Jerome’s impact on WDET is deep and lasting. Furthermore, the whole Detroit journalism industry owes a lot to this man, who lives and breathes news. WDET will do its best to continue along the path Jerome helped set while missing his wisdom and humor,” said General Manager Mary Zatina.

Vaughn's final broadcast on WDET was this past Monday (8/17).