The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) has announced the recipients of the 2026 Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards. 6 Michigan broadcasters won a total of 11 awards in Region 7, which is shared with Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.
Ellis has more than three decades of experience in broadcast and multimedia production, with deep familiarity with the Upper Peninsula and WLUC. Most recently, he has served as an Executive Producer at WLUC-TV, coordinating coverage for live college sports and creating content for both broadcast and digital platforms.
“This is a significant step forward, but it’s not the finish line,” said Rich Homberg, President and CEO of Detroit PBS. “Meeting this challenge ahead of schedule shows what’s possible when this community rallies around public media, understanding our future despite a fast-changing media and funding landscape.”
During this live event, host and creator Shankar Vedantam is set to make his exclusive Midwest appearance to bring seven key insights from the first decade of Hidden Brain to the stage, including discoveries about behavior, decision-making, perception, and connection.
Gray Media Lansing announced that the Federal Communications Commission has approved Gray Media/WILX-TV 10’s acquisition of WSYM-TV FOX 47 from The E.W. Scripps Company. The two stations officially combined operations on Friday, May 15.
“Screamin’ Scott has long been one of the most recognizable and entertaining voices on WCSX,” said station Program Director Jade Springart. “His passion for the Motor City, knowledge of classic rock, and genuine connection with listeners make him a perfect fit for mornings. Scott brings energy, authenticity, and a whole lot of fun to everything he does, and we’re excited for listeners to wake up with him every day.”
Michigan Public has announced the forthcoming debut of Michigan, We Need to Talk, a new weekly live call-in program launching in summer 2026 from Michigan Public and journalist Stephen Henderson. Hosted and produced by Henderson, the show will bring together voices from across the state for thoughtful, live, unscripted conversations about the issues shaping life in Michigan.
The Detroit Pistons announced today a new local media television rights agreement with Scripps Sports beginning with the 2026‑27 NBA season. The move returns Pistons basketball to free, over‑the‑air television for fans throughout Detroit, metro Detroit and the state of Michigan.
Michigan Public reporter Sarah Cwiek has been selected as a winner of the 2026 Wade H. McCree Advancement of Justice Awards, sponsored by the Michigan Press Association Foundation. Sarah was honored for her two stories: “New report on a wrongful conviction highlights old missteps, in hopes of preventing future mistakes” and “Another Detroit wrongful conviction lawsuit: “I’ve never seen a fabrication to this extent”.
“This partnership is about using the strength of our platforms to elevate voices, create opportunity, and support the communities we serve,” said Matt Scarano, Vice President and Market Manager of Beasley Media Group Detroit. “We’re proud to work alongside the Michigan Black Business Alliance to help shine a light on the incredible work being done across Detroit and to make a lasting impact.”