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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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! -
It's a new era for Cinema Chat! David Fair is now enjoying a well-earned retirement, but he still wanted the movie news to continue here at WEMU. Mat Hopson is now the acting host. This week, he's joined by Marquee Arts' own Nick Alderink to chat about the new films and special screenings for your 4th of July weekend and beyond! -
We have a slight casting change for this week's Cinema Chat. WEMU's Mat Hopson fills in for David Fair, but he's still joined by Marquee Arts' own Nick Alderink. They chat about all things cinema from new films at the multiplex to the latest batch of special screenings in downtown Ann Arbor! -
It's Thursday, which means we have another edition of "Cinema Chat" for you! But there's a slight change in hosting for this week. WEMU's Mat Hopson fills in for David Fair to talk about the newest flicks and the next batch of special screenings—some related to Valentine's Day—coming to downtown Ann Arbor with Marquee Arts' own Nick Alderink! -
It's day 2 of a new year, and the cinema world is ready to deliver a whole bunch of new movies for you! WEMU's Mat Hopson meets up with Marquee Arts executive director Russ Collins to chat about the first round of new flicks and special screenings coming up in the first few days of 2025! -
Our staff is taking a well-earned break on Christmas Day! But a series of fun and festive holiday programs is coming up for your listening pleasure on December 25! -
It’s been a blast to host this show and introduce you to hundreds of artists and creative business in our region. Together, we’ve explored how they have impacted our local quality of life, place and economy. Join Deb Polich and WEMU's David Fair for the last edition of "creative:impact" to look back and forward as Deb signs off for what she expects to be the last time. -
We just wrapped up a fantastic fall fundraiser a few days ago, so let's celebrate with a good movie! WEMU's Mat Hopson steps in for David Fair this week to chat about all of the cinematic offerings coming soon to your favorite movie houses with Marquee Arts executive director, Russ Collins! -
It's the first week of September, and we have plenty of movies to chat about! WEMU's Mat Hopson sits in David Fair to share all of the movie news and info on special screenings and events you could ask for with Marquee Arts executive director Russ Collins!
