Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) received a $5,000 gift from the Leflore County Board of Supervisors to assist with critical repairs to its WMAO radio tower serving the Mississippi Delta.
The tower sustained significant damage during Ice Storm Fern, with additional impact from subsequent windstorms. The main transmission line feeding the antenna was severely damaged, leaving the station off the air. Following a full assessment by engineers, repair costs are estimated to exceed $150,000.
“The generous support from Leflore County is an important step toward restoring service,” said Royal Aills, Executive Director of MPB. “WMAO plays a vital role in delivering emergency alerts, weather information, and public radio programming to rural communities that depend on reliable access to timely information.”
The WMAO tower serves a wide region of the Delta, where many residents rely on over-the-air radio for news and emergency information. “Fixing this tower is currently one of our highest priorities, said Aills. “It was heartbreaking over the weekend being unable to communicate with residence in Carroll and surrounding counties about wildfire.”
MPB continues to seek additional funding and support to complete the necessary repairs and return the station to full operation as soon as possible.
To support MPB’s tower restoration efforts, visit mpbonline.org.