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Frequently Asked Questions

Is WNMU-TV PBS more than one channel?
WNMU-TV broadcasts in digital on channels 13.1, 13.2, 13.3 and 13.4 (VHF) 24 hours a day.

  • 13.1HD is our primary channel that includes the best of WNMU-TV PBS’s local programming schedule in high definition (HD)
  • 13.2SD WNMU PBS Kids is our standard-definition (SD) broadcast of the PBS 24/7 Kids Channel
  • 13.3HD WNMU-Plus carries the PBS west schedule (3-hour delay) in HD, plus locally-scheduled programs during prime time as an alternative to PBS programming.
  • 13.4 WNMU MLC is a statewide public television partnership offering instructional content to support the education of students and to provide alternative resources for families and teachers. Visit Michigan Learning Channel for more information.


After installing a new digital TV or converter box, antenna viewers will need to re-scan their channels in order to find our 3 digital channels, and other local digital channels. Find more information about antenna reception and the channels you are likely to receive on our Channel Info /How to Watch page.

How can I watch WNMU-TV’s four channels?
Today most televisions just need a TV antenna to watch over-the-air channels. Connect the antenna's coaxial cord to the input on your TV, and scan for over-the-air or 'air-TV' channels under settings. Viewers in fringe areas may need to upgrade their antennas in order to receive digital TV. For tips on digital reception and converter boxes, see our Antenna Reception Troubleshooting Guide at the bottom of this page.

Can I get more than one Channel 13 on cable?
Many cable viewers have the option of viewing more than one of our channels. Charter Spectrum Cable subscribers can see WNMU-TV on channels 13 and 783 (782 in Sault Ste. Marie). Charter Spectrum digital tier subscribers can find WNMU PBS Kids 13.2 on channel 199 in SD, and TV13/PLUS 13.3 on channel 195 in SD (197 in Sault Ste. Marie.) Other area cable companies also have the option of picking up WNMU-TV’s additional channels, and some plan to upgrade their service to include them. Call your local cable provider for more information.

Can I receive WNMU-TV via satellite? 
Dish Network and DirecTV carry only our main channel, 13.1, in HD for viewers who are located in the 10-county Marquette Designated Market Area. See our coverage map for counties that are included in the Marquette DMA.

Can I purchase a copy of one of WNMU-TV's local productions?
Our local documentaries and some episodes of our local series’ are available for purchase. Please see our Video Sales page for details. You can also watch many of our documentaries, and all episodes of our locally-produced series' online here.

Where's my FanFare?
If you didn't receive your FanFare program guide in the mail, it may be for one of the following reasons:

  • It was lost in the mail.
  • Mail delivery was delayed. FanFare is mailed as bulk mail, which sometimes can be delayed at your local post office.
  • Your membership has expired.
  • Your renewal was processed after FanFare labels were printed.
  • Should you wait until the last minute to renew your membership, you may miss an issue.

No matter the problem, please contact us at 800-227-9668. We'll immediately send you a FanFare and correct the problem.

Where are the daytime program listings?
You can find complete listings and recent schedule updates on our schedule page.

Where's my Thank-You gift?
If it's an item we have in stock we can normally get the Thank-You gift in the mail within five business days. If it's an item that needs to be ordered, it can take anywhere from two to eight weeks (depending on supplier availability) to get it to you. For more information, contact Dakota VanLinden at 800-227-1305 or dvanlind@nmu.edu.

When should I renew my membership?
If you receive FanFare, you will get a renewal notice a few months prior to your subscription's expiration. Remember, if you wait until the last minute to renew, you may miss an issue of FanFare.

Will I receive a pledge acknowledgment in the mail for tax purposes?
Each year at the end of January, WNMU-TV automatically mails out printed pledge acknowledgments to Partners who have contributed $250 or more to the station. If you would like to receive a printed acknowledgment for a contribution of less than $250, please contact us to request one and we'll be glad to mail it to you.

Is online pledging secure?
WNMU-TV is very careful about protecting the billing information entrusted to us by our Partners. When you click the "Submit" button on our online pledge form, your information is sent to a secure server where it is kept until it is entered into our membership system. If you have concerns about pledging online, we are always glad to take pledges by mail or by phone during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm ET) at 906-227-1300 or 800-227-9668.

Why do I hear weather information instead of program audio on WNMU-TV?
WNMU-TV provides a "second audio program" (known as SAP) during our broadcasts. In cooperation with the National Weather Service, our Channel 13.1 SAP provides local weather forecasts. If you are hearing this audio, your television is set to listen to the second audio program. To receive our regular program audio, you need to go the audio setup menu on your TV and select "stereo" or "mono" instead of "SAP." Some remote controls also have a button labeled SAP or Audio to control this feature.

Why do I hear Public Radio 90 instead of program audio on WNMU-TV?
WNMU-TV provides a "second audio program" (known as SAP) during our broadcasts. On Channel 13.3, our SAP provides audio from WNMU-FM Public Radio 90 broadcasts. If you are hearing this audio, your television is set to listen to the second audio program. To receive our regular program audio, you need to go the audio setup menu on your TV and select "stereo" or "mono" instead of "SAP." Some remote controls also have a button labeled SAP or Audio to control this feature.

Can I publicize my community event on your station?
WNMU-TV does not provide on-air community calendar listings and we can't broadcast your pre-produced video public service announcements or PSAs. With that in mind, if you still want to send us news releases or announcements, you may email them to our main address: dtv13@nmu.edu.
With one month's advance notice, WNMU-TV can help local groups promote events on What's UP?, a three to four minute community interview program. For more information, visit the What's UP webpage.

What is WNMU Passport and how can I get it?
WNMU-TV Partners who make a yearly contribution of $60 or more (or ongoing $5 per month as a sustainer) are eligible for WNMU Passport, our most popular member benefit that provides you with extended access to an on-demand library of PBS programs. Check out our Passport page for complete information.

Troubleshooting Antenna Reception:
If you’re having problems receiving digital Channel 13 via antenna, we are always happy to help out. You can call us at 800-227-9668, or email dtv13@nmu.edu.
Before calling, here are a few things that you should check:

  • make sure you have a TV set with a digital (ATSC) tuner, or a set-top digital converter box (some older digital sets came without tuners);
  • make sure your antenna is capable of receiving both VHF and UHF signals. Channel 13 is on VHF, just like it always was;
  • if your antenna is old it may work just fine, but you might want to check the wiring and connections and make sure they are secure;
  • if you have a converter box, make sure your antenna is plugged into your converter box, rather than the TV;
  • if you have a VCR or DVD player/recorder with an analog tuner, make sure your converter box is attached to that device;
  • make sure you are using the correct remote control -- after installing a converter box, you will need to use the remote control that came with the box to change channels;
  • make sure you have re-scanned the channels on your TV or converter box – sometimes this is referred to as “adding new channels;”
  • while scanning for channels, you should see a screen where you can see a gauge of signal strength. If you can find any kind of a signal on channel 13, then you know that your antenna is picking up our signal, but it may be too weak to be tuned in. Most digital tuners need about 30-60% strength for a viewable picture;
  • if you have determined that you’re receiving a weak signal, then you’ll need to think about upgrading to an outdoor antenna, raising the height of your outdoor antenna, or adding a signal amplifier/booster;
  • you may live in an area where terrain blocks our signal. Check with your neighbors to find out what kind of antenna reception they are getting.
  • Find more information about antenna reception and the channels you are likely to receive on our Channel Info page.


More questions? Email us.