What's going on at WDET?

[RadioMax]

https://www.deadlinedetroit.com/article ... id_changes

Some significant veteran departures are happening at WDET.

Deadline Detroit reports two longtime news figures are leaving amid changes at the station. News Director Jerome Vaughn has retired after more than 30 years at WDET, including nearly two decades running the newsroom. And All Things Considered host/senior news editor Russ McNamara left. Jay Butler has also retired, ending a broadcasting career spanning more than 60 years.

That’s a lot of experience and institutional knowledge leaving in a short period. Is this a generational transition, or are broader staffing, budget, and programming changes underway at WDET? Anyone hearing what’s going on behind the scenes?

[MWmetalhead]

No more Jay's Place on WDET?!?!

The fact that show ended its run so unceremoniously does not sit well with me. WDET gave the show a decent send-off; I'm disappointed by the lack of attention from the various news outlets in town. Jay Butler is a legendary broadcaster.

https://wdet.org/2026/07/20/jay-butler- ... n-detroit/

It's been a bit since I've last heard Russ on WDET. Now I know why.

[Chrocket87]

They lost over &500,000 in funding when CPB was nixed. They had to make budget cuts to make up for that loss.

https://wdet.org/funding-faqs/

[MWmetalhead]

Good info.

WDET's budget is $5.2 million. That's higher (in some cases much higher) than most commercial FM stations in town.

[TC Talks]

Good info.

WDET's budget is $5.2 million. That's higher (in some cases much higher) than most commercial FM stations in town.

Of course, they have employees.