Broadcasting Industry News
Renowned 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.
Read MoreJeremy Baldwin Named New WEMU-FM Jazz Host
Last Friday (7/31), WEMU-FM (Ypsilanti) General Manager Molly Motherwell announced that longtime music host, Jeremy Baldwin, has accepted the position of Senior Music Announcer, taking over for Michael Jewett who retired at the end of June.
Read MoreFormer Michigan Air Talent/Programmer Craig Russell Passes at 56
Russell spent most of his career in radio here in Michigan, working at stations such as WKPK-FM (Gaylord), WFCX/WFDX-FM (Traverse City), WFGR-FM (Grand Rapids), WKHM-FM (Jackson), WUPS-FM (Houghton Lake) and WHMI-FM (Howell). He also held positions in his long career in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Read MoreDuke Wright Named ‘Legend’ Inductee to Radio Hall of Fame
This past Monday (8/3), the Radio Hall of Fame announced the selection of nine 2026 Legends inductees. These individuals have received induction by the determination of the Radio Hall of Fame 2026 Nominating Committee, who annually meet to determine inductees who contributed with greatness to the radio industry and have since passed away.
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