Authentic Michigan Stories, Heard Across the Great Lakes State

MI Michigan Story: Life in the Great Lakes State brings the real, heartwarming, humorous, and deeply human experiences of everyday Michiganders to the airwaves.

Created and Hosted by Michigan native Rob Prince, MI Michigan Story airs monthly on WKAR (90.5 FM) in Mid-Michigan and WGVU (88.5 / 95.3 FM) in West Michigan–with a combined broadcast footprint of as many as 3.5 million Michiganders–alongside our worldwide podcast and live storytelling events audiences.

Because we operate as an independent media production, our travel, field recording, audio engineering, and live event production rely directly on community support.

We provide our program to radio stations for free because we believe in the mission of public radio and want to support it at a time when their federal funding has been eliminated.

Whether you are an individual listener who loves local storytelling or a business looking to reach an engaged Michigan audience, your financial backing is the only fiscal support the show receives. Your support is what keeps these stories alive.

Become a Listener-Producer

Individual Support Tiers

Join our community of monthly supporters! As an LLC, individual contributions are not tax-deductible, but they directly fund equipment, audio editing, production, and field travel across the state.

Tier Level	Contribution	Perks & Impact
Mitten State Supporter	$5 / month	• Named credit on our website’s Supporter Wall • Our eternal gratitude for supporting local media
Great Lakes Producer	$15 / month	• All lower tier perks • Exclusive MI Michigan Story bag, T-shirt, or sweatshirt
Executive Listener-Producer	$30 / month	• All lower tier perks • Verbal “Listener-Producer” shoutout on a podcast episode

Corporate & Business Underwriting

Reach educated, civic-minded, and highly engaged public radio listeners across Michigan.

By aligning your organization with MI Michigan Story, you build goodwill and brand recognition during prime weekend public media slots—including Saturday mornings on WKAR (replacing This American Life) and Sunday mornings on WGVU—plus podcasting and live community events.

Underwriting Packages Overview

• Statewide Anchor Sponsor ($1,000 – $1,200 / month): Exclusive 15-second Pre-Roll credit on every WKAR & WGVU broadcast, dedicated podcast host reads, top-tier website branding, and live event sponsorship.
• Regional Broadcast Sponsor ($450 – $500 / month): 15-second Mid-Roll credit on either WKAR or WGVU, podcast audio credits, and online directory placement.
• Live Event & Episode Sponsor ($250 / show): Targeted digital podcast placement + on-site branding at live storytelling tapings.

Interested in powering local storytelling while sharing your business with our statewide audience? Complete the form below to receive our complete Underwriting & Sponsor Support Kit.

Underwriting Inquiry Form

Your Name *

Organization / Business Name *

Work Email Address *

Phone Number

Area of Interest Statewide Anchor Sponsor (WKAR + WGVU) Regional Broadcast Sponsor (WKAR or WGVU) Live Storytelling Event Sponsor General Marketing / Underwriting Inquiry

Message / Additional Details

Request Underwriter Kit

Underwriting message on public radio have certain guidelines so they align with public radio’s mission. Here are those guidelines from the National Public Media website:

NPR Radio & NPR Music Guidelines
from https://www.nationalpublicmedia.com/npr-sponsor-guidelines/#radio&music

The following guidelines address sponsor messages that are heard on air in NPR broadcast programs, and sponsor messages in NPR Music including Tiny Desk, All Songs Considered, and other music news, features and sessions on NPR digital properties.

Sponsor messaging that works on NPR:

• Keep it clear: State who you are, what you do, and where listeners can learn more. Operating divisions and subsidiaries may be named as well. 
• Focus on features: Instead of “fast and safe,” say “240 horsepower and side-curtain airbags.” NPR listeners prefer a direct approach. 
• Reference current creative: Established, non-promotional slogans are allowed and broader themes often emerge from existing ad creative. 
• Acknowledge the environment: Where possible, underscore alignment with NPR and listener values.

Sponsor messages may not include:

• Comparative language (e.g., “leader,” “largest,” “the only”)
• Qualitative language (favorable qualities, benefits and claims)
• Inducements (offers, incentives)
• Calls to action
• Price/value language
• Personal pronouns (e.g. ”you,” “we”)
• Views on public issues or references to political candidates or elections
• Health claims