An excavating crew dumps gravel at the WCML transmitter site in Atlanta, Michigan on April 18, 2024 in preparation for a temporary structure to be put in place. The transmitter building housing WCML-91.7 FM and WCML-TV Channel 6 was destroyed in a fire on Feb. 28, 2024. (Photo credit: Mark Brown, WCMU)

WCMU Public Media reports that progress is being made to restore its television and radio signals in northeast Lower Michigan, following a fire in late February. Both WCML-FM and WCML-TV were knocked off the air after the transmitter building in Atlanta was destroyed by a fire. The exact cause of the blaze is still unknown.

Although the transmitter building was a total loss, the broadcast towers at the site have been inspected and deemed viable.

On Thursday, April 18, an excavating crew laid the foundation for a temporary building. The building will be put in place in the coming days to house new equipment.

WCMU's engineering team anticipates that once power and equipment are installed, both radio and television signals will be able to return to the air at 70% of their normal coverage area.

An exact timeline for returning the stations to full power is unclear, as WCMU continues to work with its insurance company and Central Michigan University.  In an update dated May 7, the station said they are currently awaiting the delivery of a temporary transmitter building, installation of power at the site, and installation of new transmitters.