KUAC FM 89.9 receives digital radio grant

Submitted by Ann Dowdy
Phone: (907)-474-1890
11/15/04

KUAC has received a grant to provide a new digital version of its FM service.

The new digital FM services provide more robust reception of signals especially in areas where interference and multi-path, or multiple signals reflections, may have been a problem.

"Digital FM works right alongside our standard FM service and it is totally transparent to those listening with analog radios. Nobody has to go out and buy a digital radio," said Petrowich, "but those who do will likely enjoy a better signal in areas where KUAC reception was spotty."

KUAC will receive $80,000 from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) for the project.

"We are very excited to be a partner with stations in using this new technology to provide better public service," said CPB President and CEO, Kathleen Cox. "The digital revolution in radio is just getting underway, and public radio stations are at its forefront."

With today’s announcement, CPB awarded grants to 285 public radio stations and 170 public television stations to begin their digital transition. These funds are part of the nearly $150 million in funding that Congress has provided to CPB over the last four years to assist both public radio and public television stations to convert from analog transmission to digital.

CPB, a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967 develops educational public radio, television and online services for the American people. The Corporation is the industry’s largest single source of funds for national public television and radio program development and production. CPB, a grant making organization, funds more than 1,000 public radio and television stations.

Serving Interior Alaska, KUAC 89.9/TV 9 Alaska One/KUAC DT 24, public radio and public television is a multiple-media organization with a mission to provide quality noncommercial programming and services that enlighten, inspire, educate and entertain. KUAC is licensed to the University of Alaska.