WHFR’s Mike Reynolds also works with JoAnne Purtan at WOMC
As a child, Mike Reynolds grew up listening to Detroit broadcasting legend Dick Purtan at WOMC-FM (104.3). As an adult, Reynolds has worked alongside Dick's daughter JoAnne Purtan at the same radio station.
“I grew up listening to Dick Purtan at breakfast and when my parents drove me to school,” recalled Reynolds. “I always wanted to be part of Purtan's People [his on-air team] and write jokes for him. As I grew older, I realized I wasn't very funny, but somehow my voice worked in my favor, so I prayed that one day I could be a radio host and bring people the same joy it brought me. I did not imagine being on one of the biggest radio stations in Detroit, working with JoAnne Purtan. I work with JoAnne frequently, and she is the absolute best! She is fantastic at everything she does and has helped me out tremendously over the years. If it weren't for her and [WOMC DJ] Beau Daniels giving me the opportunity to work with them, I wouldn't be where I am today. I owe a significant amount of my success to them and the rest of the team at WOMC.”
He recently worked alongside JoAnne, covering the Woodward Dream Cruise.
“JoAnne is absolutely dedicated to bringing the best experience to our listeners,” said Reynolds. “Even in the seconds before she goes on air, she is bursting with ideas on what can be done better.”
HFC prepared him for success as a DJ, and in life
Reynolds also owes a significant amount of his success to WHFR-FM (89.3), HFC’s volunteer and student-run radio station. He has worked for WHFR since 2009. He splits his time between WOMC and WHFR, currently serving as the WHFR Head Music Director.
“I wanted to become a DJ because I loved listening to different music and being able to find something new,” he said. “I decided on HFC because of WHFR. It was a hands-on experience I knew wouldn't be replicated at any other college. It was also a legitimate radio experience in a major market designed for students. I wanted to go to a college that would provide that experience and contribute to my education.”
An only child, Reynolds grew up in Southgate. He lives in Dearborn with HFC Academic Affairs Assistant Megan Akkari, his wife of more than eight years. A graduate of Southgate Anderson High School, he studied what is now Media Communication Arts at HFC.
“HFC played a crucial part in my life because it prepared and enlightened me on what I would need to be successful,” said Reynolds. “The educational experience was necessary for me to progress in my career and in life. I was able to connect with people who shared the same career interests. Working together made us all better. A large number of my friends, family, and colleagues have gone to HFC.”
WHFR is a connector
Reynolds finds it a privilege to serve as the radio station’s music director.
“The best thing about non-commercial radio is being able to witness artists working to promote their art,” he said. “You never know what you're going to get when opening a email or a package and being able to immediately think, ‘I know who’d love this music!’ – that’s an incredible joy! Working with the DJs at WHFR is such a unique experience! It's people who care about music, trying to share the same joy through the airwaves. You won't find it anywhere else in Detroit.”
Through radio, he wants to reach as many people as possible.
“Radio has been a dedicated service for generations. The next step is trying to have a good time and help people de-stress from what life throws at them,” he explained. “Radio has proven that music has a positive impact on people's mental health. My goal is to encourage people to have fun and understand what resources are available. I want to help the community connect.”
He compared being a DJ to learning a musical instrument.
“The more practice you have, the better you will be during the performance," he said. “You have to take opportunities to be on-air. If I could go back, I would write out and rehearse everything I wanted to say, over and over. Everything you say is being listened to, so you want to be the best you can.”
40 years of unique value to the community
Reynolds has worked with WHFR Program Manager Bob Burnham since 2018 and of course with WHFR General Manager Susan McGraw since he started in 2009.
"Watching Mike grow from a passionate WHFR student DJ into one of Detroit’s most popular on-air voices has been one of the greatest joys of my career,” said McGraw. “He’s the real deal: genuine, humble, and relentlessly professional. Mike approaches his craft with quiet dedication and continues to get better . I couldn’t be prouder of what he’s accomplished and how he represents this industry and the spirit of WHFR."
This year marks WHFR’s 40th anniversary. Reynolds shared his insights on why this non-commercial radio station has survived and thrived for four decades.
“What makes WHFR so strong after 40 years is its dedication to the community,” he said. “You won't find another radio station like this in Detroit or anywhere! We are the definition of a community radio station. We are your neighbor who wants to share some of the best music we can find! We showcase local and new music from up-and-coming artists you won't hear anywhere else. It's a beautiful combination of artists promoting other artists in a competitive industry. WHFR is dedicated to helping them.”