WNMU-TV Receives Stabilization Grant

WNMU-TV 13 at Northern Michigan University has been awarded a $576,532 grant from the Public Media Bridge Fund to stabilize operations for the coming year, as the station transitions toward a more sustainable operating model.

The Bridge Fund was established in response to the elimination of federally supported Corporation for Public Broadcasting Community Service Grants for certain stations, including WNMU-TV. The program's initial one-time funding allocations provide a temporary boost and are focused on rural and underserved regions such as the Upper Peninsula, where stations face a greater risk of losing local public media service.

Patrick Lakenen, general manager of WNMU Public Media, said the Bridge Fund's stabilization grant will allow the TV station to address critical infrastructure needs while protecting educational and national programming, public safety information, lifelong learning resources and local productions that benefit viewers in its coverage area.

"We are very grateful for this significant one-time grant and for the generous contributions from our loyal supporters, both of which reinforce our financial foundation when it's needed most," Lakenen added. "The outpouring of support from our community has been remarkable and humbling in this challenging year. Since this is a one-time investment, continued local support will remain essential as we work to sustain WNMU-TV moving forward."

While WNMU-TV qualified for the grant, WNMU-FM/Public Radio 90 did not meet the eligibility criteria for this specific fund.

According to a press release, the Public Media Bridge Fund provides more than financial support to stations. It also offers consulting, planning and operational assistance to help identify efficiencies and potential revenue opportunities. The philanthropic leaders who made the fund possible are listed at https://publicmedia.co/pmbf-funders.

Media Contact: Patrick Lakenen, [email protected] or 906-227-2909.