WMUK announces new programming, classical FM service launch

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—WMUK 102.1 FM, the regional NPR station from Western Michigan University, announces today that beginning Monday, Jan. 20, the station is expanding its schedule on 102.1 FM to include a new lineup of news and conversation programming, and adding a new channel dedicated to classical music and the arts on 89.9 FM.

The two distinct formats featuring several additional national news, information, entertainment and music programs will provide a better listening experience overall, according to WMUK General Manager Stephen Williams.

"Our listeners across the region will be able to enjoy without interruption the kind of programming they prefer 24/7," he says.

The new programming for WMUK 102.1 FM will include NPR’s “Fresh Air,” “On Point” and "1A." "The Takeaway" from PRX, and "The Daily" from The New York Times also will be added. Weekend programming will feature such popular shows as "This American Life," "Radiolab," "Milk Street Radio," "A Way with Words" and "Live Wire." Expanded local hosting for “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered” will be spotlighted.

Classical WMUK—on WKDS 89.9 in Kalamazoo and WMUK HD-2—will feature the newly added "SymphonyCast" from American Public Media, and the return of "Pipedreams" to the program lineup.  Live "Metropolitan Opera Radio" broadcasts will find a new home on this channel.

Full programming schedules for both channels, WMUK and Classical WMUK, are available at WMUK.org/2020.

WMUK has been dedicated to sharing knowledge and the arts and to serving its listening community for almost 70 years.  This new year brings an opportunity to enhance services and ensure the station plays an important role in the community for years to come, according to WMUK management. The station’s mission is to share knowledge, explore ideas, and tell compelling stories.  The changes “are an extension of what WMUK has always done: serve as a vital public service for Western Michigan and Northern Indiana," says Williams, adding that the format change coincides with a new mission, vision and visuals as well as on-air brand identity for WMUK.

Building on WMUK's strength as the local NPR station of choice for the region, its news and arts producers are working more closely together to provide better coverage of local issues, including cultural coverage. Listeners will continue to be the focus, which is why the station’s new visual identity will focus on "u" as a unique identifier, Williams says. 

"We're excited to bring you this new service, a service intended to deepen our commitment to providing quality local and national journalism, meaningful information, and continued coverage of the arts," he says.  

For more information, contact WMUK General Manager Stephen Williams at (269) 387-5719 or stephen.a.williams@wmich.edu.

About WMUK

WMUK 102.1 FM and Classical WMUK 89.9 FM | HD-2 serves western Michigan and northern Indiana with award-winning, in-depth news and analysis, cultural coverage, entertainment and music programming 24/7.  Signature programming includes local, national and global news, information, arts coverage and music. The station is a charter member of NPR, and also offers programming from the BBC World Service, American Public Media (APM) and Public Radio International (PRI). 

WMUK is the member-supported public radio service of Western Michigan University, and the Kalamazoo-based regional NPR member station.

For more news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.