WDET (101.9-FM), the public radio station based at Wayne State University in Detroit, recently announced schedule changes that include the cancellation of three weekend roots music programs, Matt Watroba's "Folks Like Us," Larry McDaniel's "Arkansas Traveler," and Robert Jones' "Deep River." At the same time, additions to the schedule include two shows from Ann Arbor's Rob Reinhart, including his popular syndicated "Acoustic Cafe."

The loss of "Folks Like Us" is likely to be of particular interest in Ann Arbor, with its vibrant folk music scene. Watroba lives in Livingston County, and over its 23-year time span, his show has been an important outlet for exposing the music of acoustic artists who play at local venues like The Ark and the Green Wood Coffee House.

"Folks Like Us" — as well as the other canceled programs — is well established in the regional roots-music community. But recent years have been a bit rocky; a format change at WDET in 2004 brought about the program's first cancellation, although WEMU (89.1-FM), the public radio station at Eastern Michigan University, picked up the show until it returned to WDET. Recently, "Folks Like Us" has been running on Sunday afternoons/evenings — generally considered a very bad time slot — rather than its traditional Saturday-afternoon home.

Given the history, the question naturally arises of whether WEMU would again consider offering a home to "Folks Like Us" and/or the other canceled programs. Clark Smith, WEMU's program director, said that the station is considering picking up some of the programs, but no decision has been made yet.

Watroba has posted a statement on the "Folks Like Us" web site that reads in part:

"Now, the most important truth: Serving this audience for over 23 years as host of the Folks Like Us Program has been one of the absolute privileges of my rich and wonderful life. Sharing this truly essential music with you over the years has, in many ways, made me what I am. Words will never be able to adequately express the gratitude I have for you — the listener — who has allowed me the gift of enriching my own life through — hopefully — enriching yours.

"I need you to know that I consider this a minor set-back. I am not giving up my quest to share this music with as many people as possible. While we discover and create other ways to do this, please keep checking this Website. We will continue to keep you updated on roots music events in the area and what is happening with the future of the program. If you have any influence with other media outlets that would love to welcome thousands of loyal, supportive listeners to their fold, this would be the time to talk to them."

Meanwhile, under the new schedule at WDET, which takes effect this Saturday, Ann Arbor's Rob Reinhart will host a show called "Rob Reinhart's Essential Music" from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, followed by "Acoustic Cafe" from 5-7 p.m.

"Acoustic Cafe" is a well-established, internationally syndicated music and interview program produced by Reinhart in Ann Arbor. "Acoustic Cafe" will also continue to air locally on WQKL (107.1-FM) from 8-10 a.m. Sundays.

Of the new show, "Essential Music," Reinhart writes in an email that it "will be, honestly, the first time in my career that I've been told to go into a studio and 'do whatever I want.' There is so, so, so much more music that I don't present on 'Acoustic Cafe,' it'll be a nice place to air that. There'll be a mix of old and new, rock and soul, folk and a bit of jazz, thematic elements, humor, exclusive/rare material, local and national artists alike. The show will start with my music library (pictured) and go from there!"

Bob Needham is director of entertainment content for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at bobneedham@annarbor.com or 734-623-2541, and follow him on Twitter @bobneedham.