A fresh era for 88Nine Radio Milwaukee will be ushered in with new music, shows and hosts and a shift in roles for station stalwarts Tarik Moody and Marcus Doucette.
New programming will begin Sunday, March 17 through an expanded partnership with National Public Radio Music. The collaboration and programming will feature more high-quality shows beyond its current offerings while strengthening the station’s position as a source of news, music and cultural commentary. “For the past decade, NPR Music has set the standard for new music discovery. From the widely popular tiny desk concerts to nationally syndicated programs like All Songs Considered, NPR Music, defines new music discovery in the 21st century,” 88Nine Senior Director of Programming Jordan Lee said.
A host of NPR shows will be on tap and provide an opportunity for listeners to hear from more musical artists covering a wide range of genres. Featured shows include:
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
- All Songs Considered, NPR’s guide to discovering new music below the radar, hosted by Robin Hilton.
- Host Raina Douris presenting the daily show World Cafe, featuring new music that is a blend of indie, alternative and classic rock, singer-songwriters, alternative country, soul and R&B, live performances and intimate interviews. Douris will also host Conversations from the World Cafe, a weekly one-hour show presenting interviews and performances of the daily show while exploring trends in contemporary music and culture.
- Alt. Latino, hosted by Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre, introduces listeners to new artists shaping the sound of Latin music and will offer one-on-one interviews with artists who use music as a tool for exploring the history and culture of Latin America and what creates a shared Latinx identity.
- Jazz Night in America, hosted by Grammy Award-winning musician Christian McBride, a multi-platform radio, video documentary and concert presentation series.
In addition to the NPR programming, 88Nine and HYFIN, the station’s urban alternative channel that launched in 2022, are introducing new on-air hosts. Moody, the station’s digital director, will move from behind the mic and shift his role to managing HYFIN and all of Radio Milwaukee’s digital content. In addition, two new on-air personalities – Megan Mathews and Kim Shine – will join HYFIN’s lineup.
“Growing HYFIN’s on-air staff and programming in ways that reflect HYFIN’s listenership is exciting and rewarding,” Moody said. “Megan Mathews and Kim Shine will bring segments that resonate with our next generation of listeners, and I look forward to leading the station behind the scenes.”
Carolann Grzybowski will host a show on 88Nine every weeknight at 9 p.m. Britt Gottschalk, Mallorey Wallace and Salam Fatayer will also join the 88Nine airwaves. Salam has been the voice and mind behind Uniquely Milwaukee programming and podcasts for many years. She will continue to be a vital voice of community storytelling while adding her presence as a Saturday DJ.
In addition, after 17 years of hosting 88Nine’s midday program, Doucette will now lead the station’s audio production efforts as Radio Milwaukee’s production manager.
A message to Radio Milwaukee members from Executive Director Maxie Jackson expressed gratitude for Doucette’s on-air work over the years.
“We are incredibly grateful for all Marcus has done to get 88Nine and all of Radio Milwaukee to where it is today, and we look forward to his leadership in shaping and influencing 88Nine’s sound alongside our next generation of on-air hosts,” Jackson wrote. “In the time that Marcus has been behind the mic, a lot has changed. Recognizing that Radio Milwaukee needs to grow with this community, he is now taking on new creative endeavors within this organization.”
Doucette will still be heard on the air as he will produce all promotional spots and continue to be the voice of the program Sound Travels.
“We recognize that this is a big change in our programming, but we are truly grateful to still have Marcus at Radio Milwaukee and a part of this community that he helped build,” wrote Jackson, who took over as executive director in September.
88Nine’s Music Director, Erin Wolf, will take over as midday show host. “Erin brings to the mic a breadth and depth of indie and local music knowledge that is truly second to none,” Jackson stated.
