This past Monday (2/23), Nexstar’s WOOD-TV (Grand Rapids) announced the upcoming retirement of longtime main news anchor Susan Shaw, marking the end to a remarkable broadcasting career that has spanned nearly 40 years, including more than 3 decades of dedicated service to West Michigan audiences. Her final day behind the desk will be Friday, March 27.
One of the longtime voices of West Michigan has died. WBCT-FM (Grand Rapids) operations manager Dave Taft announced in a social media post that former DJ and host Reese Rickards died this past Tuesday (2/24).
“It’s truly a momentous day personally, as I announced my impending departure from MacDonald Broadcasting and retirement from the business for which I have been so very passionate,” Lawrence wrote on Facebook. “I’m truly proud of all I’ve accomplished throughout this wonderful career that has filled nearly half a century in the blink of an eye.”
March may not have any of the regular FCC filing deadlines, but there are still plenty of regulatory activities going on this month that should grab the attention of any broadcast or media company.
“In Detroit, the Lions represent our resilience and our pride. We are honored to extend our long-standing partnership with the team, serving as the bridge between the field and the fans,” said Debbie Kenyon, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Detroit. “This extension underscores our deep commitment to the team and to delivering the most authentic and highest quality game-day experience to the dedicated Lions fans across the region and beyond.”
Mentoring & Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing female leadership in radio broadcasting, proudly announces Jessica Reid of Townsquare Media (Kalamazoo) as the 2026 MIW Digital Mentee.
“These recognitions speak to the dedication and talent of our entire team,” said Steve Finateri, Cumulus Media regional vice president and market manager. “Mitch, Paul, Chris, Lloyd, and Jamie each bring something uniquely valuable to our listeners every day, and seeing their work honored on a national scale underscores the impact they make.”
WCMU Public Media (Mt. Pleasant) has announced the launch of a weekly news podcast, Between the Lakes. In less than 15 minutes, listeners will hear a quick round-up of the top stories impacting communities across central and northern Michigan.
At its meeting yesterday (2/12), The Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents has approved the renaming of the University’s public radio station broadcast facility to The Timko Broadcast Center at Halle Library, honoring Art Timko, former general manager of WEMU 89.1.
At the conclusion of WEMU’s 60th anniversary, veteran broadcasters David Fair and Michael Jewett have announced their retirements from Eastern Michigan University’s WEMU-FM (Ypsilanti), effective June 30, 2026. News Director and Morning Edition host David Fair has been with the station since 1994 while Senior Music Announcer/Operations Manager Michael Jewett recently celebrated his 42nd anniversary with WEMU.