As a journalist, I can’t emphasize enough the need for local news coverage. During a time when newsrooms continue to shrink or close across the country, WEMU is providing you with the local coverage you need to stay informed about the issues impacting our community.
Take COVID-19 for example, every news outlet is providing general information about the pandemic, but for months, WEMU has brought you daily coverage on how the pandemic is affecting your life, your friends and family, and even people who’ve you never met but before but are part of your community. WEMU has been there with you every step of the way, from when local municipal offices and school districts closed their doors and started working remotely, to when local hospitals began testing for COVID-19, and now, as businesses and other public facilities slowly start to reopen.
Through NPR coverage, WEMU has also kept you informed about the racial tensions being felt right now across our nation, and have localized those stories by covering incidents that have taken place right here in Washtenaw County. Among them is the Ypsilanti Township incident involving a white Washtenaw County sheriff’s deputy who punched an Black woman as she was arrested in May.
COVID-19 and the racial tensions are just two examples of issues that will continue to develop and impact not only the country, but Washtenaw County in its own way. In order for WEMU to continue bringing you reliable, informative and unbiased news coverage, we need your support. I encourage you to make your donation today atwemu.org or by calling 734-487-2229, during regular business hours. Make sure to check-out the cool premiums we’re offering on our website, especially the #teamwemu face masks.
Thank you for listening to and supporting WEMU!
Stay well,
Jorge Avellan