About KUAC

Over 50 years ago, on Oct. 1, 1962, KUAC-FM 104.7 signed on the air, broadcasting from Constitution Hall on the campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. As the strains of Beethoven's Emperor Concerto filled the airwaves, local residents heard a new voice in the wilderness. KUAC had begun its mission to connect Alaska to the world, and the world to Alaska.

Nine years later, before the end of 1971, KUAC-TV 9 signed on the air between the hours of 5 and 10 p.m. each evening, introducing Alaskans to Big Bird and his pals from Sesame Street, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, William F. Buckley's Firing Line and Masterpiece Theatre, opening a window onto the world. It was these programs and others that helped us fulfill another of our goals, to present performances that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Following in the Alaska tradition, both KUAC-FM and KUAC-TV were the first public radio and television stations in the 49th state. They were established so that Alaskans would have access to the same opportunities as other Americans. Connecting Alaska to the world was a challenge for broadcasters in those days. Over the years, many people have given their best efforts, their volunteer time, and their financial support to make it happen.

More than four decades later, much has changed. However the core purpose remains the same: KUAC creates radio and television programming that is thought-provoking, trustworthy and even life changing.

Over the last decades, much has changed. However, our mission remains the same: we educate every generation, tell stories that would otherwise go untold and bring awareness to issues that would otherwise be overlooked. KUAC remains dedicated to improving lives through broadcasting.

Today, KUAC-FM 89.9 broadcasts at 38 kW from Ester Dome near Fairbanks and is heard on translators throughout Alaska, including in Nome, Tok, Eagle, Healy, Nenana, Delta Junction and Bettles.

KUAC-TV 9 broadcasts at 47 kW from Bender Mountain and is also seen on translators in Delta, Glennallen, Healy and Nenana, as well as cable systems statewide. On June 1, 2004 KUAC-DT (digital television) began broadcasting the state's first High Definition Public Television service 24 hours each day. Digital Television has enabled us to increase the value of the service we provide to Alaskans, delivering six channels of television programming (KUAC 9.1, KUAC World 9.2, KUAC Create 9.3, UAFTV 9.4, KUAC PBS Kids 9.5, KUAC 9.9 360TV) and one station of audio only (KUAC1 9.6).