Broadcasting Industry News
Jerome Vaughn Retires from WDET After 34 Years
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.
Read MoreBeasley/Detroit’s Jade Springart Named to Radio Ink’s 2026 list of “Radio’s Most Successful Program Directors”
Springart leads two iconic brands in Detroit, embracing the expanding opportunities available across audio, video, social media and other platforms. Both WRIF and WCSX remain deeply connected to their audiences through local personalities, music, sports and community-focused content. While she sees emerging technology as a creative tool, Springart believes authentic human connections remain essential.
Read MoreMichigan Public’s Doug Tribou receives Salute to Excellence Award from the NABJ
Michigan Public has announced that its Doug Tribou was recognized with a Salute to Excellence Award from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). This award recognizes the Best Feature in the category of Radio – Top 15 Markets.
Read MoreRenowned WXYZ-TV Photojournalist Johnny Sartin Dies After Cancer Battle
Born Johnny Nelson Sartin Jr., he spent 30 years at 7 News Detroit following stops in Mississippi, Oklahoma City and WDIV-TV in Detroit. He traveled the country early on in his career, covering mudslides and wild weather with WXYZ meteorologist Jerry Hodak in the 1990s, and spent weeks documenting the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 with reporters Ray Sayah and Bill Spencer.
Read MoreWKAR Launches “Curious About” Series Highlighting Voices of the Next Generation
WKAR Public Media (East Lansing) is expanding its digital-first programming this month with the return of an award-winning favorite and the announcement of a new series coming this fall that will round out a youth-focused Curious About… series collection.
Read MoreScreamin’ Scott Scramble Smashes Records for The Rainbow Connection
Hosted by WCSX’s Screamin’ Scott Randall, the annual charity outing once again united listeners, local businesses, volunteers, and golfers of every skill level to support The Rainbow Connection, the Michigan nonprofit that grants wishes to children facing life-threatening medical conditions.
Read MoreThe Appliance Doctor: Joe Gagnon Dies at 84
Joe Gagnon, known to generations of radio listeners as “The Appliance Doctor,” died Thursday (8/13) at age 84. Gagnon built a broadcasting career that combined appliance expertise, consumer advocacy, and practical advice, becoming a familiar voice on 760 WJR-AM (Detroit) and radio stations across the country for more than 25 years.
Read MoreWDET’s Jay Butler Retires After Six Decades
After a long and celebrated career in Detroit radio, WDET-FM weekend host Jay Butler retired on August 2, 2026. Butler had been hosting Jay’s Place, a thoughtful blend of blues, soul, and R&B. His unmistakable voice, passion for music, and genuine connection with listeners have made Jay’s Place one of Detroit Public Radio’s most beloved programs.
Read MoreWXMI-TV Announces Addition of Detroit Pistons Basketball
The Spot Grand Rapids 17 and FOX 17 WXMI-TV, owned and operated by The E.W. Scripps Company will become the new television home of the Detroit Pistons in Grand Rapids, beginning with the 2026‑27 NBA season.
Read MoreWest Michigan Christian Radio Pioneer Les Lanser Dies
The MAB has learned that longtime West Michigan Christian radio owner Les Lanser passed away July 30th at the age of 91. Lanser, along with his family, own WPNW-AM/WJQK-FM in Zeeland.
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