Severe weather, including Ice Storm Fern, damaged the broadcast tower that carries WMAO to the Mississippi Delta. Radio on Greenwood (WMAO 90.9 FM) is completely out, and TV is running at reduced power. Here's what's affected, what's being repaired, and how to keep listening in the meantime.
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Affected Tower
Restoring Connection in the Delta
WMAO | 90.9 FM | Greenwood, MS | Signal Out
The transmission line and equipment carrying WMAO's signal from transmitter to antenna sustained significant damage during Ice Storm Fern and the high winds that followed, cutting reliable reception across much of the Delta.
Phase One — a temporary emergency antenna is being installed to restore basic coverage. Installation is expected in early August. This should bring service back to the Delta while permanent restoration and repairs are undertaken.
Phase Two — replacement of the damaged transmission line and full commissioning of the permanent system, estimated at about one month of construction and testing once underway, weather and crew availability permitting.
Where the outage is being felt
The damaged Greenwood tower reduced reliable WMAO reception across a wide stretch of the Mississippi Delta — not just the immediate area around the transmitter.
WMAO Greenwood — Radio is completely out; TV is operating at a reduced signal with a temporary antenna installation
Streaming & app coverage — Available statewide regardless of tower status
Latest Update
From the Field
July 10, 2026
Delta Signal Restoration: WMAO Update
Severe weather this year has affected so many of our neighbors across Mississippi. During these storms, our broadcast tower near Greenwood was severely damaged.
MPB crews are working to restore service and secure parts for the repairs. An emergency antenna is being installed for WMAO in early August to bring the radio signal back to that portion of the Delta.
| You can still watch and listen on the free MPB App, or on our website.
Keep Listening
The Programming Hasn't Stopped
MPB Think Radio — local news, music, public affairs, and educational programming — is still being produced every day. Here's every way to reach it while tower repairs continue.
Questions
Everything You're Asking Us
What happened to WMAO 90.9 FM?
WMAO's transmission system sustained significant damage during severe weather, including Ice Storm Fern and the high winds that followed. The damage affected the line and equipment that carries the signal from the transmitter to the antenna, reducing reliable service across the Mississippi Delta.
Why has it taken so long to restore service?
Repairing a broadcast transmission system takes specialized engineering, custom-manufactured equipment, and experienced tower crews — and funding requires coordination with multiple state and federal partners. Restoration is being handled in phases to bring service back as quickly as possible while permanent repairs are completed.
When will service be restored?
The temporary emergency antenna is expected to restore basic service while permanent repairs continue. Once permanent work begins, construction and testing are expected to take about one month, though weather and tower crew availability may affect the schedule.
Will WMAO broadcast at full power immediately?
No. The temporary emergency antenna will restore a reliable signal to many listeners, but isn't intended to match the station's normal coverage area. WMAO will return to its licensed operating capabilities once permanent repairs are complete.
Why can't the damaged equipment simply be replaced immediately?
Broadcast transmission equipment is highly specialized. Many components are custom-built for each station and require engineering design, manufacturing, delivery, and installation by certified tower professionals. Safety requirements for tower work also limit when repairs can take place.
Who is helping fund the repairs?
MPB is working closely with state and federal partners — including the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) — alongside generous support from local communities and donors.
How much will the repairs cost?
The estimated cost of restoring the transmission system is approximately $200,000, including specialized equipment, engineering services, installation, and tower work.
Why is WMAO so important?
WMAO serves communities throughout the Mississippi Delta with local and national news, emergency information, educational and public affairs programming, music, and agricultural and cultural programming. For many rural communities, public radio remains a vital, dependable source of information.
Will there be regular updates?
Yes. MPB will share updates as major milestones are reached — equipment delivery, temporary antenna installation, the start of permanent repairs, construction progress, and restoration of full service — on our website, social media, email newsletters, and local news outlets.
How can I support the restoration effort?
- Becoming an MPB member
- Making a one-time donation
- Sharing restoration updates with your community
- Encouraging others to listen online while repairs continue
