Rick Westover

WCMU Public Media has announced the appointment of Rick Westover as the new General Manager, effective October 1. While making the announcement, the organization points out that "with more than 20 years of experience in public media and a deep commitment to community engagement, Westover is poised to lead WCMU into a new era of growth and innovation."

Westover brings a wealth of expertise in public broadcasting, strategic planning, and audience development. He started his career at WCMU in radio, working as a student beginning in 1999. He joined the staff in 2004, reporting and serving as the local host of All Things Considered. He then moved on to host the classical music program Music in the Morning and a mix of indie and Michigan artists on The Set List, followed by his time as Program Manager and Radio Director. He has served as interim General Manager for WCMU since May 2023.

Westover said “I look forward to building on the station’s strong foundation and exploring new opportunities to connect with our audience. In fact, we’ve already had our first Coffee and Conversations discussion with audience members in Harbor Springs. We’ll be doing the same in Midland next week.”

"Rick Westover has long been a valuable member of WCMU. His strong connection with the current WCMU team and our community is unmatched," said Toby Roth, Associate Vice President, Government and External Relations for Central Michigan University. "I look forward to working with him to implement his vision for WCMU Public Media."

WCMU Public Media has been a cornerstone of the region’s cultural landscape for more than 57 years, providing diverse programming that educates, informs, entertains and engages. Under Westover's leadership, the station aims to enhance its digital presence and expand its outreach efforts, ensuring that even more members of the community can engage with WCMU.

WCMU Public Media serves central and northern Michigan, offering a range of programs from news and cultural content to educational resources for schools and families on both radio and television. As the new General Manager, Westover will work closely with staff, partners, and community members to further enrich the experience of those WCMU serves.