Temporary transmitter building for WCML-FM and TV.  Photo credit: WCMU

WCMU Public Media has announced that WCML-FM and TV have returned to the air in northeast Michigan, just over five months after the station's transmitter site west of Alpena was destroyed by a fire.

The stations are currently broadcasting from a temporary facility at reduced power. WCML's broadcast signals in the northeast are expected to cover at least 70 percent of their normal coverage area, meaning most area residents can once again tune in to their NPR and PBS stations. Once construction finishes on a new permanent facility, the stations will return to full power. That is expected to happen in 2025.

In a website post, WCMU wrote that they were "extremely grateful for the support and patience our viewers and listeners have shown during this difficult time. Viewer and listener telephone calls, emails and letters have focused on our return to the air and how important WCMU Public Media’s programming is to their lives. We are so happy to once again bring you the quality news and programming you expect from us."

We understand this has been a slow return to service. We’ve faced a number of hurdles along the way, but we are very optimistic about this news today. We invite WCMU Public Media viewers and listeners across northeast lower Michigan to tune in once again for their favorite Public TV and Radio programming.

The station also extended its appreciation to their engineering team that has been working tirelessly to restore the signals and notes that designs are coming together for a permanent building.

The Hillman Area Fire Department was unable to determine the cause of the fire that took 91.7FM and TV Channel 6 off the air. You can learn more about the fire and our restoration efforts at WCMU.org/fire.