Mat Hopson

Mat Hopson may be considered a workhorse in WEMU’s news department. After earning his degree in Broadcast and Cinematic Arts from Central Michigan University, 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.

Mat also does 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, with a big smile on his face.

These days, Mat gets out of bed super early and acts as producer for Morning Edition and WEMU news director David Fair (and 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. And, since the fall of 2021, he’s served as producer for Deb Polich and her MAB award-winning news segment creative:impact (He says, “Thanks, Deb, for the credit!” by the way)

When he’s not keeping the gears of WEMU turning, 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, long ago, did the shotput and discus events on the Novi High School track and field team.

Email Mat: mhopson1@emich.edu