MBPN recipient of USDA grant to upgrade infrastructure

    Maine Public Broadcasting Network has been selected to receive $750,000 in USDA Rural Development funding in the form of a Public Television Digital Transition Grant for the replacement of old analog microwave equipment. This project will replace 26 analog microwave transmitters and 28 microwave receivers that had been in significant need of repairs across the state.
    USDA Rural Development State Director Virginia Manuel said, “I am pleased USDA Rural Development could assist Maine Public Broadcasting Network in updating its equipment so that it can continue to provide its valuable educational, cultural and local programming that enriches the lives of many Maine viewers.”
    Work on replacing the transmitters and receivers will begin immediately as the upgrades will allow MPBN to serve rural Maine more reliably, provide greater data to the entire state and ensure that MPBN’s programming continues to reach viewers and listeners across the state.
    “With tight financial constraints on capital replacement costs, this is a welcomed investment in our core infrastructure,” noted MPBN President and CEO Mark Vogelzang. “As Maine’s premier, independent, public media resource, we are a listener- and viewer-supported organization and this grant from the USDA Rural Development team is truly a gift to all of Maine.”
    The Maine Public Broadcasting Network operates five television transmitters: WCBB-TV, Augusta, 10; WMEA-TV, Biddeford, 26; WMED-TV, Calais, 13; WMEB-TV,  Orono, 12; and WMEM-TV, Presque Isle, 10. MPBN also operates seven radio transmitters: WMEH-FM, Bangor, 90.9; WMED-FM, Calais, 89.7; WMEP-FM, Camden, 90.5; WMEF-FM, Fort Kent, 106.5; WMEA-FM, Portland, 90.1; WMEM-FM, Presque Isle, 106.1; and WMEW-FM, Waterville, 91.3. These channels reach households in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Atlantic Canada. MPBN also delivers content to a worldwide audience via its website, www.mpbn.net.