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.
Primarily, Mat gets out of bed super early for his duties 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.
From 2021-2024, he served as producer for Deb Polich and her MAB award-winning news segment "creative:impact." But now that Deb has honorably joined the retirement club, Mat is now the producer for the Wednesday segment "On the Ground Ypsi," hosted by Concentrate Media ace reporter Rylee Barnsdale.
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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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! -
We're halfway through August, so there's still time to catch a summer flick! WEMU's David Fair is away this week, so Mat Hopson steps in to discuss the newest movies and upcoming special screenings at your favorite downtown movie houses with Marquee Arts executive director Russ Collins! -
When it comes to the 4th of July, fireworks and film go hand-in-hand! Both David Fair and Russ Collins are on vacation this week, so WEMU's Mat Hopson and Marquee Arts cinema programming director Nick Alderink meet up to chat about the newest films and special screenings coming your way this Independence Day weekend! -
For the first time, as they mark the 300th "creative:impact" show on WEMU, producer Mat Hopson joins Deb Polich on the air. Together, they take a look back, reminisce a bit, chat about some of their favorite episodes and they might just disclose a blunder or two. -
Awards season is reaching its peak, and there's still time to catch the award-worthy films on the big screen! WEMU's Mat Hopson talks about the new flicks and special screenings coming your favorite theaters with Michigan Theater Foundation executive director Russ Collins. -
Christmas has passed, and the New Year is nearly here! There are a lot of ways to spend a festive New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, like taking in a new movie...or watching the Rose Bowl on the big screen! WEMU's Mat Hopson and Michigan Theater Foundation executive director Russ Collins will chat all about the special screenings coming to Ann Arbor, as well as a showing of the big game between the University of Michigan and Alabama at the Michigan Theater on January 1st!
