Community Representation Statement

Community Representation Statement

At WNMU-TV/FM, community representation is not just a goal; it’s a fundamental principle that guides our operations and interactions with the local community we serve. We recognize that our strength lies in our ability to reflect, include, and engage with all the voices and perspectives of the communities within our broadcast area. Through intentional efforts in station employment and the production of educational, informational, and cultural content, we strive to shed a light on stories and topics happening in our community.

Station Employment:

WNMU-TV/FM is committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek to recruit, retain, and promote individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Our recruitment efforts ensure that all qualified candidates have access to employment opportunities within our organization. In accordance with FCC rules, job openings are announced through several sources, including the WNMU-TV/FM websites, online job search sites, social media, industry websites, and on-air. WNMU-TV/FM also engage in professional development that supports professional development, growth and success of our staff members.

Educational, Informational, and Cultural Content:

WNMU-TV/FM strives to provide educational, informational, and cultural content that informs, educates, and inspires our listeners and viewers, and meets the needs of our local community. We cover local and regional news, arts, and events, as well as state, national and international stories from our partners. The stations’ present a variety of subject matter and viewpoints, and is ever mindful of creating content for the underserved rural areas of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Our local productions serve as a digital soapbox for the region, via weekday newscasts (Public Eye News); weekly, in-depth public affairs discussions (Media Meet); youth education and engagement (High School Bowl, Michigan Learning Channel); medical, legal and financial education (Ask the Experts); and the promotion of social services, area nonprofits, and cultural community events. We are mindful of the range of subjects and communities covered, and make a concerted effort to identify and share under reported issues of regional concern. We also offer opportunities for learning and dialogue through educational programs, community outreach, and audience engagement that address many elements of interest and discussion that are represented in our local community.

University Initiatives:

WNMU-TV/FM is a joint university licensee and departmental unit of Northern Michigan University (NMU). As such, WNMU-TV/FM is part of NMU’s larger effort to be an active partner in the community and a valuable part of the university experience. NMU governance supports these efforts by emphasizing the people, place, and potential of the university within its Strategic Plan. NMU’s students, faculty, staff, executive committees, and community stakeholders reviewed and implemented the plan’s strategies, goals, and tactics. Efforts and progress toward achieving these goals are first shared with the assigned committee, then NMU’s leadership, and then the campus community, including the Board of Trustees. While some strategic plans are static, each strategy in NMU’s plan is assigned key performance indicators to show progress; the strategies and full action plan can be accessed at https://nmu.edu/president/strategic-plan.

In summary, WNMU-TV/FM is committed to advancing the principles of community representation in all aspects of our operations and in accordance with applicable laws. We recognize that our collective efforts to reflect and empower our communities are essential to our success. Through ongoing engagement, collaboration, and responsiveness, we aspire to be a trusted media resource that reflects the voices and experiences within our underserved broadcast area.