WCMU in Mount Pleasant, Mich., switched to an all-news format on its primary FM signals Wednesday while moving classical music to HD channels and a digital stream.
The station previously aired classical from 9 a.m.–noon and 1–4 p.m. weekdays. It now offers BBC Newshour, On Point, 1A and The World during those times, as well as an additional hour of Here and Now.
In an FAQ on its website, WCMU said that a “thorough review and evaluation of our audience data” showed that “consistency across our schedule is key to serving both classical and news audiences effectively.” The station also dropped jazz shows and World Cafe but will continue to air some music shows on weekends.
The classical stream, made up of Classical 24 programming, will broadcast on HD channels on four of the station’s eight FM signals. It will also be available through the station’s app, on its website and via smart speakers.
Former hosts of the station’s locally programmed classical music are taking on new responsibilities. Morning host David Nicholas is now a reporter and afternoon news host, while afternoon classical host Judy Wagley will host the weekday news lineup from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Former local All Things Considered host Amy Robinson will instead “focus on her responsibilities as WCMU’s radio news director,” the station said.
The station also dropped On the Media, Radiolab, Science Friday and Thistle & Shamrock.
I already miss Judy W. And the classical music she hosts! And the music from old musicals was my favorite. All this is missed most when driving in the car when something soothing is needed! I did not like the nighttime jazz music as it was hard to go to sleep to that type of music. For people my age, Otis difficult, if not impossible, to find acceptable music as “ easy listening “ stations yes longer exist.