The new CBS-TV affiliate in Marquette, Michigan, is planning something none of its competitors has: A downtown news studio.
Lilly Broadcasting’s WZMQ/19.2 became the central Upper Peninsula’s new CBS affiliate with less than 24 hours notice to the public back in January.
Now, Lilly has announced that it is constructing a new studio for WZMQ at 142 West Washington Street in a building that previously housed a restaurant.
“We wanted a spot that’s in an iconic and convenient setting,” said John Christianson, chief operating officer for Lilly Broadcasting, in a statement posted on the company’s website . “We can look out and see the magnificent exterior of the Delft (Theater). During the U.P. 200, we’ll have an excellent location to broadcast all the excitement of the dog race.”
The studio and offices will be on the second floor at 142 West Washington.
Nexstar MyNetworkTV affiliate WJMN-TV/3.1 (Escanaba), which is the former CBS affiliate, is the only other commercial TV station with a studio in Marquette, though it’s not downtown. Gray NBC/FOX affiliate WLUC/6.1 is in rural Negaunee while Marks ABC affiliate WBUP is in Ishpeming, its community of license.
Lilly also said it continues to build out WZMQ’s news team with announcements coming about anchors. The station has already hired two reporters, Mitch Rife and Sophia Murphy.
Photo provided by Lilly Broadcasting