Lansing Radio: WLNZ Now Part of Non-Com Michigan Radio

Lansing Community College’s WLNZ 89.7 FM is now officially under the management of Michigan Radio. LCC confirmed in a press release that Michigan Radio will provide public radio programming for WLNZ beginning today. Those tuning into 89.7 will now hear familiar national shows such as “Marketplace,” “BBC Newshour” and Michigan Radio’s flagship, award-winning program “Stateside.”

The Lansing City Pulse reports Dave Downing, former longtime station manager for WLNZ, was a part of a coalition that sought to keep the station independent of Michigan Radio and proposed a plan that would see the station under the management of volunteering Lansing community members. He is let down with LCC’s ultimate decision.

“It's disappointing that the college decided not to continue continuous local programming, or work with local community groups willing to partner with the college to keep programming totally local,” Downing said. “Michigan Radio does offer Michigan-related news and information, as well as news from NPR, but WKAR does also. I'm glad they are giving the college some time to produce local programs that will air over Michigan Radio, so Lansing-related information can be highlighted on their airwaves.”

As part of the management and programming agreement, starting in January, LCC will air locally produced programming weekly on WLNZ on Saturday afternoons and Sunday evenings. The programming will highlight local news, information and interviews that delve into LCC’s academic work and upcoming events hosted by the college.