"The Metro" covers local and regional news and current affairs, arts and cultural events and topics, with a commitment to airing perspectives and uncovering stories underreported by mainstream media in Detroit.
Social links
Follow the podcast
RSS FeedToday on The Metro, we're joined by Michigan State University professor of information systems Anjana Susarla and Western Michigan University communications professor and creator of "Wonder Media: Ask the Questions!", Sue Ellen Christian, to talk about media literacy in the digital age and ways to fight the flow of misinformation on social media.
Today on The Metro, we take a look at the Supreme Court's Citizen United ruling that changed money in politics 15 years ago. The decision allowed more money to go into politics, but there's not much more accountability. Director of Elections and Government Programs at the Brennan Center for Justice Daniel Weiner and Bridge Michigan Reporter Simon Schuster join the show.
Today on The Metro, we discussed what it would look like for our utilities to run entirely on renewable energy and how to bring the cost down for consumers. Professor of history at Virginia Tech Richard Hirsh joins the show to discuss what sparked the current structure of utility companies in America. We also talk to Managing Director of the Rocky Mountain Institute Mark Dyson and Legislative and Political Director of the Michigan Sierra Club Christy McGillivray about obstacles facing community-owned utilities and renewable energy expansion.
The city of Detroit is overflowing with cultural riches — from Motown to techno, street art to Detroit jit, the city has no shortage of shiny cultural exports. So why hasn’t the rest of the country caught on to this? Today on The Metro, we speak with some of the city’s cultural pioneers and commentators — including WDET's own Ryan Patrick Hooper and Waajeed — about how Detroit can better market itself to the world. We also asked listeners: "What's your new slogan for Detroit?"
The social media platform TikTok could be banned in the U.S. as early as this week if the Supreme Court upholds a law requiring its China-based parent company, ByteDance, to cut ties with the platform by the Jan. 19 deadline set by Congress.
Today on The Metro, we dig into the free speech and national security concerns surrounding the issue with University of Cincinnati Professor Richard Harknett and Wayne State University Professor Elizabeth Stoycheff.
The Detroit auto show has long been a harbinger of innovation within the auto industry, drawing as many as 800,000 visitors to the city in the past. But attendance has declined over the years, highlighting the changing dynamics automakers are facing in a post-COVID, largely digital-centric world. Today on The Metro, WDET's Alex McLenon and Jamie Butters of Automotive News join to discuss those changes.
Owning a home has been a symbol of achievement in this country for generations. It’s the most common way to accumulate wealth, but home prices surged during the pandemic and haven’t come down.
Today on The Metro, we speak with New York University professor Thomas Sugrue and Detroit Future City CEO Anika Goss about the Detroit housing market and why 60% of Americans believe homeownership doesn't offer the same return on investment it once did.
Today on The Metro, we're talking about the cold weather and how to get through some chilly months. Holli-Anne Passmore, associate professor and department chair of psychology at Concordia University of Edmonton, joins the conversation to talk about the psychological benefits of connecting with the natural world, even in the winter. Plus, Ian Solomon of Amplify Outside returns to share his perspective.
On today's show, we talk to Detroit Blight Remediation Department Head Zak Meers and artist Ijenia Cortez about the city's new Detroit Artists Apprentice Program. The inaugural program will connect 18 creatives with six experienced artists to grow Detroit's art community. Also, new Detroit Department of Transportation Director Robert Cramer joins the show to talk about how he's hoping to improve the service.
Andrea Spyros, behavior design consultant with BD3 Solutions, joins the show to share some reassurance and advice on becoming your best self in 2025. Also, we speak with the executive director of Force Detroit — one of six community groups working to reduce gun violence in the city.