CMU Public Television receives $750,000 federal grant

CMU Public Television has received a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“It’s something we are very excited about,” said Sarah Adams, WCMU public relations coordinator. “It will allow us to do what we do better.”

The competitive USDA grant received by CMU Public Television is part of the United States Department of Agriculture Public Television Station Digital Transition Grant Program, administered by the Rural Development Utilities Programs.

The grants were awarded to rural public broadcast stations nationwide based mainly on coverage pattern and quality, said Ed Grant, general manager of WCMU. He said it was an intensive and objective application process.

WCMU plans to use the grant to equip its mobile production truck with high-definition digital equipment. The new equipment, including a satellite uplink system, will allow WCMU to broadcast from anywhere in central and northern Michigan.

“Any place we need to be, we can be there with the equipment truck,” Grant said.

Grant said he suspects it will take around a year to outfit the truck with high-definition equipment. WCMU is focusing on existing projects related to the switch from analog to digital broadcasting.

“(The grant will) help us take a step forward in our overall mission of educating, entertaining and inspiring,” Adams said.

The staff of WCMU, the campus community, elected officials from the WCMU coverage area and a representative from the USDA gathered at the CMU Public Broadcasting Center on Oct. 18 for a ceremonial check presentation, Adams said.

“They had the ceremony with the big check in front of the van,” Adams said.

At the ceremony, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Director for Michigan Gene DeRossett presented a ceremonial check to Grant.

DeRossett said the department’s mission statement is centered on improving the quality of life for rural communities, and what they do every day is an honor, Adams said.

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