William “Bill” Hart, who has been a decades-long fixture at WNMU-FM, Public Radio 90 in Marquette, will be the 2025 recipient of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters' 2025 Public Media Impact Award for Professionals. This statewide award is presented to professionals—including volunteers—working in public broadcasting to honor their contributions to the industry.
"It's been my honor to work with and for public broadcasting and its team of professionals in the Upper Peninsula," Hart said. "The value of program diversity, cultural range and community service provided by public radio and television stations in rural America can't be underestimated, nor can the commitment of educational institutions like Northern Michigan University in making it possible. Public broadcasting has always been our window on a much wider world, and I believe we've gotten more back than we've given in supporting it. As we confront the latest changes affecting our future, I sincerely hope community and regional public radio and its wonderfully curious and engaged audience are provided for."
Hart will be recognized during the Evening of Excellence at the Michigan Association of Broadcasters' Summer Leadership Conference at Park Place Hotel in Traverse City on Aug. 12. His award bio reads:
“While serving as WNMU News Director and Operations Manager, Bill advanced the station's mission of public service, journalistic integrity, and local connection. Even after his official retirement over 20 years ago, Bill has remained a vital part of the station's success — always ready to step in, lend his voice, and share his passion for public media.
In 2008, when the station suddenly lost its ‘Media Meet' host, Bill didn't hesitate. He returned to helm the program on both TV and radio, continuing for more than a decade until 2019. Beyond journalism, Bill is also a talented musician and blues historian. His trio, Harp, Hart & Bones, has performed at festivals, events and venues across the region and in the deep South, and regularly brings that soulful expertise back to WNMU-FM with programs tied to the Marquette Area Bluesfest, and a specialty program he created called ‘House of Blue Lights.'
Bill's contributions extend to fundraising, where his trusted voice has helped lead successful pledge drives year after year as a tireless on-air advocate, and also a generous supporter himself.
Whether behind the mic or behind the scenes, Bill Hart has exemplified the very best of public media. His leadership, authenticity, and community-minded spirit make him a truly deserving recipient of the 2025 Public Media Impact Award.”
The MAB presents one Public Media Impact Award for professionals and one for donors.
