After another year of standout reporting, storytelling and music programming, WDET has earned more than 40 awards from some of the industry’s most respected journalism and broadcasting organizations.
“It’s a great honor for the WDET staff to receive these awards. We work long hours to bring Detroiters the news, music and conversation that they deserve,” said News Director Jerome Vaughn. “Despite the challenges we face, we will continue providing listeners with the information they need to understand what’s going on in the region and make informed decisions in the voting booth.”
Leading the honors is a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award, one of broadcast journalism’s most prestigious recognitions. WDET also received awards from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, the Society of Professional Journalists, Public Media Journalists Association and the National Headliner Awards.
The awards reflect the scope of WDET’s work, recognizing excellence in journalism, music programming, digital content and community storytelling.
Station Manager Mary Zatina feels that the awards WDET received reflects the importance of quality local journalism. “I am super proud of the WDET team. These awards from external experts underscore that the station staff are truly fulfilling our mission of community service and doing so with professionalism and excellence.”
Local-interest series such as “Citizen Vox Project,” “CuriosiD” and the culture-focused “Container on The Metro” were among the recognized projects, alongside award-winning reporting from programs including “The Metro,” “All Things Considered: Detroit” and “Morning Edition Detroit.”
“These awards reflect the talent, diligence and creativity of our entire team. Whether it’s local journalism, music programming or community storytelling, our staff works every day to create content that is distinctly Detroit and deeply connected to the people we serve. It’s gratifying to see that work recognized by our peers,” said Program Director Adam Fox.
Pat Batcheller wins the Region 7 Murrow for ‘Morning Edition Detroit’ newscast
The award-winning 7 a.m. broadcast of “Morning Edition Detroit” on Oct. 16, 2025, featured coverage of Detroit’s mayoral debate and residents’ reactions, city beautification efforts and other local news from across the region.
As in all of his broadcasts, Batcheller navigates seamlessly between news, weather and traffic, demonstrating the skill and versatility of a seasoned host and trusted reporter.
“Our newscasts are a team effort. I’m grateful to work with journalists who go out and get good stories and bring people’s voices into our daily coverage of what’s happening in our community,” said Batcheller.
This marks his first Murrow Award.