Focus EMU Online, Weekly Issue

WEMU 89.1 FM turns 40

You've come a long way, baby.

WEMU 89.1 FM, Eastern Michigan University's public radio station, started in 1965 as a 10-watt radio station — originally shoehorned in a television production room in the Quirk Building — that was on the air only two hours a day. It has evolved into a 16,000-watt jazz station that is a must-listening stop on the radio dial for a generation of baby boomers in southeastern Michigan.

BOARD CONTROL: WEMU radio personality Linda
Yohn, who hosts "Jazz in the Morning," cues up the
latest jazz tune as she broadcasts to her listeners.
WEMU 89.1 FM celebrates its 40th anniversary with
an open house Dec. 8.

The influential local station, which has become a prime sponsor of many local music festivals over time, turns 40 this week. To celebrate that auspicious milestone, WEMU employees will host an open house for faculty and staff Thursday, Dec. 8. Station tours will be offered every half hour, beginning at 9 a.m. and running through 4 p.m. in 426 King Hall. Hot dogs, potato chips and soft drinks will be available 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (while supplies last) in King Hall's Multicultural Lounge on the second floor.

"In my association with other (radio station managers) and what I've heard of other stations around the country, this is a pretty rare jewel in public radio stations," said WEMU Station General Manager/Director Art Timko. "The NPR president has been here a number of times and sees it as special. Listeners do, too."

"It's important for people on campus to know that our influence extends beyond the borders of Ypsilanti and that we're a solid, positive ambassador for Eastern in other areas," said Molly Motherwell, marketing/development director at WEMU.

When WEMU started as part of a broadcasting program in the department of communication and theatre arts, students played classical music and taped programs from 5-7 p.m. weekdays within a small studio that was the control room for the television production. Those hours were available because that was the only time broadcast majors weren't using the audiovisual console equipment, Timko said.