Photo credit: Mark Brown/WCMU

The transmitter building for WCMU Public Media's Alpena-based satellite stations (WCML-FM/TV) was labeled a complete loss after a fire this past Wednesday (2/28).  All equipment in the building, including WCML transmitters as well as the transmitter for non-commercial WPHN-FM, which shared the building and tower were lost in the blaze.

In addition, the fire temporarily shut down the signal of WCMW-FM in Harbor Springs.  The WCML site in Atlanta, MI served as a relay link of audio to WCMW.

WCMU says that both its Alpena radio and television stations will be off the air indefinitely and that they "anticipate it may take several months to restore full service to northeast Lower Michigan."

Viewers impacted by the disruption in the northeast Lower Michigan area can continue to watch WCMU online at WCMU.org, and on the WCMU and PBS App.

Listeners can continue to listen online at WCMU.org, on the WCMU App, on the TuneIn App, or by asking their Smart Speakers to "Play WCMU" or "Play WCMU Classical." Listeners may also be able to listen on 95.7FM, 96.9FM, and 98.3FM.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and the station will release more information as it becomes available.