Ann Arbor's public radio station WEMU 89.1 FM is overhauling its on-air lineup this September, adding a new news director, three music show hosts and two locally focused podcasts.

The changes start Sept. 7.

The biggest newsroom hire: Patrick Dunn, currently managing editor and publisher of Concentrate Media, joins WEMU as news director and Morning Edition host on Monday, Sept. 14. The station wrote in an announcement by program director Molly Motherwell that Dunn brings "a wealth of journalism and digital experience" and is eager to get behind the mic.

The music lineup is shifting, too. Bob Nolan, a longtime music broadcaster recommended by current host Jeremy Baldwin, takes over "The Roots Music Project" and "Roots Break" starting Friday, Sept. 11. Baldwin moves into a weekly hosting role, succeeding Michael Jewett. Joe Tiboni relocates "Big City Blues Cruise" to Saturday nights, 7 to 9 p.m., beginning Sept. 12.

Dave Sharp, an Ann Arbor bassist, composer, bandleader and artistic director of the Blue LLama Jazz Club at 314 S. First St., launches "Planet Jazz" on Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m. starting Sept. 13. The station said Sharp, known for blending jazz with global music traditions, is happy to return to his radio roots with the new program.

On the podcast side, WEMU news producer Joshua Nieman, a recent Eastern Michigan University graduate, has relaunched the station's "Hidden in Plain Sight" series. His first episode, published Aug. 11, explores the international soccer scene at Conor O'Neill's Irish Pub, which Nieman calls "the World Cup capital of Washtenaw County."

Veteran former NPR reporter NPR reporter Neda Ulaby is also joining the station with "Around the Corner," an arts podcast centered on Washtenaw County. The podcast debuts Monday, Sept. 7, with a shortened on-air segment Tuesday, Sept. 8.

WEMU credited listener donations for making the expansion possible and said it will publish in-depth profiles of each new team member in the coming weeks. Listeners can reach the station at 734-487-3363 or [email protected].

Upcoming at WEMU

  • Sept. 7 — "Around the Corner" podcast debut (Neda Ulaby)
  • Sept. 8 — "Around the Corner" on-air segment
  • Sept. 11 — Bob Nolan begins hosting "The Roots Music Project" and "Roots Break"
  • Sept. 12 — "Big City Blues Cruise" moves to Saturday nights (7–9 p.m.)
  • Sept. 13 — "Planet Jazz" with Dave Sharp debuts (Sundays, 5–7 p.m.)
  • Sept. 14 — Patrick Dunn starts as news director and Morning Edition host