Central Michigan University

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

CMU Public Broadcasting to acquire Flint station

Ed Grant, CMU Public Broadcasting general manager, stands in front of the operation's mobile production truck. CMU operates the largest university-owned public broadcasting network in the country, which currently includes four television and seven radio stations.

Photo by Robert Barclay
CMU University Communications

RSS Print

Media Contact(s):

Steve Smith
989-774-1072
smith1sf@cmich.edu

The Central Michigan University Board of Trustees, meeting in special session Tuesday afternoon, voted to purchase WFUM-TV in Flint from the University of Michigan. The purchase price of $1 million will come from university reserves and will be repaid by CMU Public Broadcasting.

CMU became interested in acquiring WFUM-TV following the University of Michigan's decision to sell the public broadcasting station. The purchase of the station will allow CMU to maintain quality public broadcasting programming for viewers in the Flint region and enhance local community programming while expanding student-learning opportunities.

"The board is very excited about this new opportunity for expanded coverage for CMU Public Broadcasting," said CMU interim president Kathleen Wilbur. "This decision will have a positive impact on the university and its off-campus programs."

The acquisition of WFUM-TV is anticipated to increase the number of potential CMU Public Television viewers from 2.4 million to more than 8 million. In addition, it also will allow public television viewers who subscribe to satellite television services to select CMU Public Television as their local PBS affiliate, which is not currently possible.

"We are pleased that Central Michigan University will be able to continue to provide public television services to the greater Flint area," said Ed Grant, CMU Public Broadcasting general manager. "The acquisition of WFUM extends our long history of serving mid- and northern Michigan through quality programming and outreach services. We are committed to engaging the Flint community in everything Central Michigan University and CMU Public Broadcasting have to offer."

Current plans include expanding CMU Public Television's "Quiz Central" and "Capitol Report" to include high school students and lawmakers from the extended coverage area. A new program titled "Destination Michigan" will be launched and include segments that positively reflect on the newly acquired viewing area. In addition, a mobile production facility will be utilized to originate local programming from area communities.