For years, viewers in the Marquette area have told us they wish they could receive WNMU-TV's free over-the-air signal more reliably. We heard you, and we're excited to share some good news: WNMU-TV has received construction approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to build a new broadcast TV translator on Mount Mesnard.

The new translator is designed to expand WNMU-TV's free over-the-air coverage into areas that have struggled with reception, bringing all four WNMU-TV channels to more households.

Now, we need your help to make it happen. Our goal is to raise $95,000 and complete construction in summer 2027. A generous donor has already committed a $5,000 matching gift, doubling your donation dollar for dollar up to the match limit.

Your contribution will help fund the equipment and installation needed to bring expanded free public television coverage to the Marquette area.

The new translator is projected to provide service to thousands of people in the Marquette area. Engineering estimates show the following predicted service population at different signal-strength levels:

These figures represent the predicted service population at each signal-strength threshold. Actual reception will vary depending on location, terrain, buildings and antenna placement.

WNMU-TV's main transmitter, located in Ely Township, provides television service across much of Michigan's Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin. However, the region's hills, changing elevations and terrain near Lake Superior create a television signal "shadow" over parts of the Marquette area. As a result, many households have difficulty receiving a reliable over-the-air signal.

A new broadcast translator, planned for a site on Mount Mesnard, will help fill this coverage gap. It will receive WNMU-TV's existing main transmitter signal and rebroadcast it into areas that have struggled with reception.

The translator will broadcast on UHF channel 27. Depending on location, antenna placement and nearby obstructions, some households may be able to receive the signal with a small indoor antenna, while others may need an attic-mounted or outdoor antenna.

No cable, satellite or streaming subscription is required to watch WNMU-TV over the air. A compatible television antenna is needed to receive the broadcast signal.

The new translator is designed to expand service into areas with limited reception of our existing signal.

The map below illustrates the projected coverage of the new Mount Mesnard translator. The colored areas indicate predicted signal strength, showing where the new translator is expected to improve access to WNMU-TV.

The new translator will carry all four WNMU-TV channels, providing free access to PBS favorites, children's programming, local productions and educational resources.

Together, these four channels offer trusted programming, educational opportunities, local storytelling and information for viewers throughout our region.

Free over-the-air television remains an important community resource. With rising subscription costs and growing dependence on internet services, a television antenna offers another way to access trusted programming without adding another monthly bill.

No monthly subscription fees. Once you have a compatible antenna, there are no cable or satellite subscription charges or equipment rental fees.

High-quality digital television. Over-the-air broadcasts provide access to digital television programming without requiring a cable or internet subscription.

Live programming. Watch live news, special events and other broadcasts as they happen.

Local programming and trusted public media. Enjoy PBS favorites, educational content and locally produced stories reflecting the people, issues and experiences of Upper Michigan.

An alternative when internet service is unavailable. Over-the-air television does not require an internet connection, providing another way to watch when internet service is disrupted or unavailable.

Access to broadcast emergency information. Viewers receiving the signal can access emergency alerts, severe weather information and other public safety announcements carried through broadcast television.

The estimated cost of the new translator project is $95,000. This includes a new low-power transmitter, antenna, antenna transmission line and installation.

WNMU-TV's construction permit provides a three-year period to complete the project. However, broadcast infrastructure costs continue to rise, and our goal is to complete construction in summer 2027. Raising the necessary funds will help us move forward on schedule.

With your support, we can:

• Expand free over-the-air television access in the Marquette area.
• Bring all four WNMU-TV channels to more households.
• Make PBS, local productions, children's programming and educational resources more accessible.
• Expand access to broadcast news and emergency information.
• Provide another source of trusted programming without adding a monthly subscription bill.

You told us that better free television reception in the Marquette area matters. We listened, secured FCC construction approval and are ready to take the next step.

This project represents an opportunity to address a longstanding community need and extend WNMU-TV's service to more people. With your help, we can bring stronger, more reliable access to PBS programming, local productions and educational resources to Marquette-area households for years to come.

Please consider making a special gift toward our $95,000 goal. With a generous donor matching contributions up to $5,000, your gift can make twice the impact.

Together, we can bring free public television to more of our neighbors.

Thank you for your continued support of WNMU Public Media. We truly appreciate your help in keeping trusted and essential free public television accessible to our community.