Let’s get digital

“Welcome to episode one of the radio show for Michigan,” said Barron as his show made its debut.

While the delivery method has changed, much of the show will feel familiar to Barron’s fans. The show still features Barron interviewing local personalities and riffing on news headlines. Former WLNS meteorologist Jake Dunne is reunited with Barron, cutting in periodically with the day’s weather forecast.

There will be some new voices as well.

Allan I. Ross, who writes City Pulse’s “New In Town” column, delivers a news summary at the top of the hour, and producer Morgan Durfee takes an active role on the show. The 22-year-old producer and recent Central Michigan University graduate hopes to bring a fresh perspective to the show.

“I’m not exactly Tim’s target audience,” said Durfee. “I bring a different voice, and I’m not afraid to give my opinion.”

Barron’s new show streams 7 a.m.-10 a.m., Monday-Friday from timbarronsradiomichigan.com. Listeners who tune into the stream during the rest of the day are treated to “Tim’s Music,” a collection of rock hits from the 70s through the aughts.

Barron admits that it will be a challenge to recapture listeners who had gotten used to finding him on the FM dial.

“It will be a slow build,” he said. “People aren’t used to finding me here.”

After 42 years in radio working for 12 different radio stations under 18 different general managers, Barron relishes the opportunity to be his own boss.

“At no moment, can someone come in and say, ‘We’re switching to an all-polka format, see you later,’” said Barron. “It’s a powerful feeling. I’ve enjoyed great autonomy, but there was always that boss.”

Barron has invested a good chunk of his time and money building a new studio and launching the Internet station. He admits that he’s betting big on Internet radio, and is hoping the move pays off.

“Anyone who has started their own business, who has been willing to risk failure, knows how I feel today,” he said. “This is either the most brilliant or most idiotic move I’ve ever made.”