© 2025 WEMU
Serving Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County, MI
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Public Music Radio Day highlights need to protect public radio’s future

(From L to R) Neda Ulaby, Olivia Van Goor, Fred Jacobs and Michael Jewett serves as panelists for WEMU's 2025 Public Radio Music Day luncheon.
Ana Longoria
/
89.1 WEMU
(From L to R) Neda Ulaby, Olivia Van Goor, Fred Jacobs and Michael Jewett serves as panelists for WEMU's 2025 Public Radio Music Day luncheon.

A panel of music and broadcasting experts gathered with WEMU and listeners today for Public Music Radio Day to discuss the future of public broadcasting.

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting has secured music rights for public media until December of 2027. The clock is ticking down till then for stations to find ways to maintain their music content and attract new audiences.

Fred Jacobs is the president of Jacobs Media. He says public radio music provides a unique bond with listeners since hosts express themselves through their musical expertise and choices.

“Here is this voice talking to me in a very personal way, talking about music that matters.”

Jacobs says figuring out new ways to create more connections between audiences and stations is the key to protecting public radio music.

Non-commercial, fact based reporting is made possible by your financial support.  Make your donation to WEMU today to keep your community NPR station thriving.

Like 89.1 WEMU on Facebook and follow us on X (Twitter)

Contact WEMU News at 734.487.3363 or email us at studio@wemu.org

Ana Longoria is a news reporter for WEMU.
Related Content