Public media and the Opera join forces to create cross-platform content, promote performances, and elevate Detroit’s creative community

DETROIT, DECEMBER 1, 2025: Detroit PBS, 90.9 WRCJ and Detroit Opera today announced a new collaboration to develop and promote arts content across television, radio, and digital platforms. The partnership will connect and grow the organizations’ shared audiences, who share a deep appreciation for opera, ballet, and orchestral performance, while elevating Detroit’s creative community through coordinated storytelling, shared promotion, and cross-platform engagement. 

 

Under the partnership, Detroit PBS and 90.9 WRCJ will: 

• Produce content for TV, radio, and digital platforms spotlighting Detroit Opera productions, artists, and community initiatives. 

• Serve as promotional partners, raising awareness of Detroit Opera programming and driving attendance through on-air, online, and newsletter campaigns. 

• Coordinate cross-platform activations, linking broadcast specials, interviews, and behind-the-scenes features with companion radio and digital storytelling. 

 

“This collaboration represents three essential Detroit institutions stepping forward together,” said Rich Homberg, President and CEO of Detroit PBS and 90.9 WRCJ. “We’re uniting the reach and trust of public media with Detroit Opera’s artistic excellence to inform, inspire, and fill seats. It’s a model for how media and the arts can strengthen Detroit’s cultural life by celebrating performance, elevating local stories, and connecting audiences who love opera and ballet.” 

 

Patty Isacson Sabee, President and CEO of Detroit Opera, shared, “Detroit Opera is thrilled to deepen our partnership with Detroit PBS and 90.9 WRCJ. Together, we will bring the wonder of live performance to even more households while inviting new audiences to experience the Detroit Opera House. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to Detroit’s creative renaissance.” 

 

Spotlight: Symphonic PFunk 

One of the first joint initiatives will highlight “Symphonic PFunk: Celebrating the Music of Parliament-Funkadelic,” a new production created by Detroit Opera House and Chew Entertainment,taking place Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 8:00 PM at the Detroit Opera House. Detroit PBS will complement the performance with a companion television special, “We Want the Funk,” airing December 1 at 9:30 PM, exploring Detroit’s influential role in the evolution of funk — where George Clinton and his collaborators developed their groundbreaking sound at the legendary United Sound Studios, where they recorded many of their best-known albums, including Mothership Connection and Chocolate City. 

 

Detroit PBS and 90.9 WRCJ have also extended an open invitation to other arts and culture organizations across the region. The stations are committed to partnering with institutions throughout Southeast Michigan to co-create content, engage audiences, and amplify the creative energy that defines Detroit’s cultural identity.  

 

About Detroit PBS / 90.9 WRCJ 

Detroit PBS is Michigan’s largest and most-watched public television service, reaching audiences across Southeast Michigan with trusted journalism, arts and culture, education, and community storytelling. 90.9 WRCJ is Detroit’s classical and jazz radio station, connecting listeners to the region’s world-class music community. 

 

About Detroit Opera 

Detroit Opera is one of the nation’s most innovative opera companies, presenting opera, dance, and music performances at the historic Detroit Opera House while engaging communities through education, commissions, and collaborations that reflect Detroit’s creative spirit. 

 

Media Contacts 

For Detroit PBS / 90.9 WRCJ 
Eric Freeland 
Vice President, Multiplatform Marketing 
Detroit PBS / 90.9 WRCJ 
Email: [email protected]  
 

For Detroit Opera 
Jennifer Melick 
Communications and Media Relations Manager 
Detroit Opera 
Email: [email protected]