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.
On top of all of that, Mat hosts the ongoing Thursday segment "Cinema Chat" with Tara Calligan, director of marketing for Ann Arbor's historic Michigan Theater and State Theatre.
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 midterm elections are wrapping up, so let's cast one final vote for a good movie! WEMU's Mat Hopson and Tara Calligan talked about what's coming to the big screen this week, including a few new sci-fi films arriving in downtown Ann Arbor's favorite movie houses. -
October is just flying by, isn't it? So, why not catch a scary movie...or whatever movie you prefer? WEMU's Mat Hopson meets up with Tara Calligan to talk about the new films and special screenings arriving on the silver screen! -
The scary movie season continues, so cover your eyes ... but not your ears. Mat Hopson and Tara Calligan meet up again to talk about the start of the Monster Matinee Film Series, along with all of the other new films and special screenings coming to Ann Arbor! -
"I'm so scared!" Those three little words started a horror movie revolution. WEMU's Mat Hopson and Tara Calligan talked about this weekend's "Found Footage Horror" film series at the Michigan Theater. Plus, they discuss the new films and additional special screenings coming to a theatre near you! -
As the month of September wraps up, the film world still delivers something new! WEMU's Mat Hopson meets up again with Tara Calligan to chat about the new films coming to downtown Ann Arbor! Plus, they gave a preview of the exciting (and spooky) film offerings coming to the Michigan Theater and State Theatre this October! -
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.
