Northern Michigan University alumnus Mike Settles has "found his way home," returning to the Upper Peninsula and WNMU Public Media after a 24-year absence. He is the new producer and host of Media Meet, the Ask the... series featuring experts in such areas as law and medicine, and other local content.
The 1984 broadcasting graduate went on to work for WLUC-TV in Marquette and later as a senior producer/director at WNMU-TV. In 1996, a career opportunity lured Settles away from Marquette to Columbus, Ohio.
“What was I thinking?” Settles said with a laugh. “Not long after making that last Mackinac Bridge crossing, I started second-guessing my move and would continue to do so thereafter.”
While in Ohio, Settles produced programs for WOSU-TV (PBS), served as a Kiplinger Fellow in Ohio State University's School of Communication and worked 17 years as a public information officer for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
He said he learned a lot and generally enjoyed life as a Buckeye, but a void quickly developed that he was unable to fill.
“It came down to wanting a ‘Superior' quality of life, both in terms of where I live and who I associate with,” says Settles. “I longed for the life I had when I lived and worked in the Upper Peninsula.”
In August, Settles was perusing the Indeed job listings and was stunned to find a vacancy at WNMU. Calling it serendipity, he successfully made the pitch to return to U.P. television.
“Hiring Mike wasn't the hardest call we've ever had to make,” says Bob Thomson, WNMU-TV Broadcast and Production Manager. “When he was last here, Mike produced multiple Emmy award-winning programs and was a total team player. So, now that he's back, we are excited to see what's in store for local television production. It really is a win-win.”
As Settles gets reacquainted, he encourages viewers to contact him at 906-227-1310 or msettles@nmu.edu with local programming ideas or tips on issues important to their communities.
He thanks everyone for welcoming him back and keeps this handwritten note from NMU Board of Trustees Chair Steve Mitchell tacked on his office wall: “Who says you can't go home again? You ARE home again!”