The University Record, September 30, 1998
WUOM rated #1 in nation for market size
From Michigan Radio
Michigan Radio (WUOM) has been chosen as the best station in America by the Public Radio Program Directors Association in the category of stations serving markets with populations of fewer than 800,000 listeners.
Todd Mundt, morning drive-time announcer and talk show host, was named the nation’s top air personality in the same category.
The awards, among the most prestigious in public broadcasting, were announced Sept. 19.
The competition was based on recordings of the station’s locally produced material on a typical broadcast day. The judges commended Michigan Radio for an “informed attitude,” clear writing and the conversational style of its announcers and news anchors.
Mundt was honored for his on-air delivery and versatility. Judges noted his dual role as local news anchor for National Public Radio’s “Morning Edition” and as the host of an afternoon talk show, citing him as “a broadcaster who can deliver serious news content, and also take a lighter approach to interviews and features.”
Joan Siefert Rose, Michigan Radio program director, says the awards are a tribute to the station’s staff, who have worked hard to provide a meaningful service to listeners.
“Our goal is to offer comprehensive news coverage and well-informed discussion of the issues of the day, whether those events are occurring in Michigan, Washington or overseas. I am gratified that our efforts have been recognized by our peers in public broadcasting.
“I also am pleased,” she added, “that we are able to provide an effective and engaging outreach service for the University to our listeners across the state.”
Director of Broadcasting Donovan V. Reynolds is pleased with the “confirmation by our peers that we are a place where creative things are happening.
“We have a long way to go and lots of ambitious goals,” he said. “We’re looking to make the station even better, and have exciting projects coming up in the next couple of months.”
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