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 diverse populations we serve. We recognize that our strength lies in our ability to reflect, include, and engage with all of 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 foster a sense of belonging and empowerment among our audience.

Station Employment:

WNMU-TV/FM is committed to building a workforce that mirrors the diversity of 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 are guided by principles of inclusivity and equal opportunity, ensuring that all qualified candidates have access to employment opportunities within our organization. In accordance with FCC EEO rules, job openings are announced through sources such as the WNMU-TV/FM websites, online job search sites, social media, the HigherEdJobs.com Diversity & Inclusion email list, and on-air. WNMU-TV/FM also engages in annual employee training focused on preventing harassment and discrimination in the workplace and supports ongoing professional development programs that support the 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 national and international stories from our trusted partners. The stations present diverse subject matter and viewpoints, and is ever mindful of creatingcontent for the unserved and 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 underreported 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 diversity 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 strive to be an inclusive community where differences are recognized as assets of the institution, respected attributes of the person, and a valuable part of the university experience. NMU governance supports these efforts by emphasizing diversity as one of five focus areas in its Strategic Plan. The plan's strategies, goals, and tactics were extensively reviewed and implemented with input from NMU’s students, faculty, and staff, executive committees, and community stakeholders. Efforts and progress toward achieving the diversity goals are first shared with the assigned committee, then NMU’s leadership, and then the campus community, including the full 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 nmu.edu/president/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-belonging.

In summary, WNMU-TV/FM is committed to advancing the principles of community representation and inclusion in all aspects of our operations and in accordance with applicable laws. We recognize that diversity is our strength and that our collective efforts to reflect, include, and empower our communities are essential to our success. Through ongoing engagement, collaboration, and responsiveness, we aspire to be a trusted and inclusive media resource that reflects the vibrant tapestry of voices and experiences within our broadcast area. Together, we will continue to work towards a future where all individuals feel valued, heard, and represented.

NMU's Diversity Statement, Core Values, and the current metric profiles of NMU students and staff can be found at nmu.edu/diversity.