Mat Hopson
ProducerMat Hopson just might be the workhorse in WEMU’s news department. After earning his degree in Broadcast and Cinematic Arts from Central Michigan University in 2005, he came to WEMU and was appointed board operator for All Things Considered and former afternoon news anchor Bob Eccles. And, yes, he still feels awkward every time CMU and EMU play each other in football and basketball.
For years and years (or what felt like years and years to him anyway), Mat did the on-air announcements for our Saturday 8 AM-1 PM block, which consists of the award-winning programs Weekend Edition Saturday, This American Life, Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me, and Travel with Rick Steves. And, if Roots Music Project host Jeremy Baldwin ever needed a hand with on-air guests and live performances, Mat has engineered those, too. He considers those moments like his own personal concerts.
For ages, Mat got out of bed super early for his duties as producer for now-retired Morning Edition host and WEMU news director David Fair (he can be a substitute host, should the moment arise). Also, whenever you see a news story or special feature on the homepage of wemu.org, thank Mat, because he puts those up for you to read and listen to at your convenience.
From 2021-2024, he served as producer for Deb Polich and her MAB award-winning news segment "creative:impact." But that was just the beginning. Mat is now the producer for "On the Ground Ypsi," hosted by Concentrate Media ace reporter Lee Van Roth, "Issues of the Environment" hosted by former Michigan state Representative/Senator Rebekah Warren (her environmental resume is huge!!!), and "Washtenaw United," hosted by Engage@EMU director and brilliant EMU drama professor Decky Alexander.
When he’s not making sure the lights at the WEMU studio are on, Mat enjoys listening to loud music on his headphones, exercising his thumbs on his Nintendo Switch, and making time for a Star Wars movie marathon. He also holds a 5th degree black belt and the rank of master in the Korean martial art Tang Soo Do and, way back when, was on the Novi High School track and field team when he competed in shotput and discus.
Email Mat: mhopson1@emich.edu
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The Michigan Theater and State Theatre are always buzzing, so what's the buzz this week? WEMU's Mat Hopson gets together with Tara Calligan to chat about the new films coming to your favorite downtown movie house, along with the next round of special screenings! -
We're getting deeper into September, so before more leaves start falling, fall out to your favorite movie theater! WEMU's Mat Hopson meets up again with Tara Calligan to talk about the new films landing on the big screen this week and the next batch of special screenings! -
We're approaching an extra-long weekend, so there's more time to squeeze in a trip to the movies! WEMU's Mat Hopson meets up again with Tara Calligan to chat about the new films and special screenings coming your way for the Labor Day holiday weekend! -
School's almost back in session, so before you hit the books, why not catch a movie first? WEMU's Mat Hopson was joined once again by Tara Calligan to chat about the next round of film openings and special screenings coming to your favorite movie houses! -
It's Thursday, which means it's time to chat about all things movies! But, there's going to be a few changes with the program going. WEMU's Mat Hopson talked about the latest cinema news and special screenings with his new co-host, Marquee Arts Director of Marketing, Tara Calligan. -
Now that the August Primary elections are over, why not catch a flick? WEMU’s Mat Hopson and Marquee Arts’ own Nick Alderink reunite to talk about the latest movie news, the new films opening in downtown Ann Arbor, and the next round of special screenings! -
July is wrapping up, so let's swing on over to your favorite movie house! WEMU's Mat Hopson and Marquee Arts' own Nick Alderink meet up once again to chat the new films opening this weekend and to give a taste of Ann Arbor's next batch of special screenings! -
Got no weekend plans? Well, a movie just might be the ticket! WEMU's Mat Hopson and Marquee Arts’ own Nick Alderink meet up again at the WEMU studio to talk about the new and returning films coming your favorite local movie houses! -
This week's "Cinema Chat" is of mythological proportions, so let's take an "odyssey"! WEMU's Mat Hopson and Nick Alderink from Marquee Arts meet up once again to chat about the new films opening across the country and the special screenings arriving in downtown Ann Arbor in the coming days! -
The cinema world rolls on for the month of July with a combination of comedy and horror! WEMU's Mat Hopson and Marquee Arts' own Nick Alderink meet up at the WEMU studio to talk about the new arrivals to the silver screen, along with more special screenings than we can count coming to downtown Ann Arbor! Plus, you'll find out about the Michigan Theater getting a brand new marquee!
