The public radio network that serves the eastern part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has switched to a full-time NPR News/Talk format, meaning Classical music is no longer heard on broadcast airwaves in much of the area.
WCMU Public Media runs WCMZ/98.3 (Sault Ste. Marie) and seven stations in the northern lower peninsula. The network had previously carried a traditional public radio format mixing NPR’s morning and afternoon news programs with midday Classical music and overnight Jazz.
On March 1, the weekday music programming was replaced with News and Talk programs from NPR, American Public Media, PRX, and the BBC, including “BBC Newshour,” “On Point,” “1A,” and “The World.” Some music programs continue on the weekend.
WCMU says in FAQ on its website that the change came “after a thorough review and evaluation of our audience data,” citing the fact that half of the 46 counties served by WCMU’s network no longer have a daily newspaper.
Several local on-air hosts have been assigned to new duties as part of the change, including an expansion of the station’s news department.
Meanwhile, syndicated Classical programming is now airing on four HD2 signals in the lower peninsula that had previously carried full-time News/Talk. The HD2 service is not available in the UP.
WCMU Public Media also dropped “The World Café” and several weekly syndicated music and talk programs as part of the change.
Parts of the eastern UP can receive Interlochen Public Radio’s Classical network from WIAB/88.5 (Mackinaw City), but the service cannot be received in the Twin Saults.
Sault Ste. Marie is also served by CBC Radio One, which does not offer Classical programming but does have a weekend Jazz show.
The change comes amid mixed news about Classical radio. Ratings for full-time Classical outlets have been strong in recent years and the format was even upgraded in Cleveland. But in many places, Classical music has been moved to smaller signals or HD2 subchannels as public radio services seek to serve the growing audience looking for NPR News programming.
Note: This article has been updated to add that reception of WIAB is possible in parts of the eastern UP.