KUAC

Just in time for the evening rush hour drive on Tuesday, Nov. 24, KUAC-FM's beautifully renovated and updated Radio Master Control Studio went back live on-air -- exactly one month to the day when broadcast switched to the new Dave Lacy Studio right next door.

Thanks to Florcraft for the donation of cork flooring, and a big round of applause to UAF Facilities Services for their tireless work, as well as the planning efforts of director of FM programming and operations Jerry Evans, and the expertise of engineering consultant Bob Buie and Keith Martin, our new General Manager. See below for photos giving an overview of this major studio renovation project.

At 10:05 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, KUAC FM began broadcasting from the new Dave Lacey Studio. Listeners may have been unaware of the seamless change-over to KUAC's new studio, right next door to the FM Master Control Studio.

The upgraded studio is named in honor of Dave Lacey, long-time KUAC volunteer and music host of The Oldies Show who passed away in February 2009. The improvements better position KUAC to keep up with the evolving technology of radio broadcasting, as well as replaces obsolete equipment. The project includes installation of a new audio console, speakers, furniture, paint and special cork flooring for sound-proofing (donated by our friends at Florcraft). The upgrades to Radio Master Control are anticipated to be completed by the beginning of December. Watch as we make progress!

	Old Radio Master Control on Monday immediately after the FM Fall Fundraiser; then Tuesday after the new studio went live, and electrical components started to be dismantled.
	Engineering consultant Bob Buie is the man behind many of the renovations. After Radio Master Control was dismantled, he untangled 20 years worth of wiring. Old Radio Master Control as seen from inside the new studio, with all the handbuilt wood console furniture out, on Wednesday, Oct 28. Old sound insulation is off the walls now too, with only the glue left behind to show where it had been. Then finally, with decade's worth of dust and lost pens cleaned out by our dedicated maintenance staff, the place is ready for the next phase: carpet removal and new cork flooring from Florcraft.

	Facilities Services in action, removing old materials and putting a new ceiling in place.
	Old lighting soon to be replaced by stylish new track lights.
	Engineering staff put finishing touches on the new control panels, while Lori Neufeld prepares to switch into the new space next door.
	Jerry Evans and Bob Buie cut the ribbon as Lori Neufeld announces the good news, and KUAC Development staff Sheena Cummings, Wanda Peros and Gretchen Gordon blow bubbles to celebrate.

While up-to-date equipment is vital, our new studio space still features a turntable. Many music hosts rely on 45's and record albums, from their personal collections as well as the extensive KUAC library, for their unique blend of entertainment which spans the century and the musical spectrum, and helps define KUAC's diverse musical programming.

All this after another record-setting year for the KUAC FM Fall Fundraiser! KUAC takes no breaks from the important broadcast work that must be done. We have much to be confident about, knowing that we offer a service no other radio station, public or otherwise, can match. To paraphrase another well-know public broadcaster, Jim Lehrer: by adamantly adhering to our principles and our values of independence, integrity, community, education and sustainability, we've become more distinct.

Now more than ever, KUAC is needed as a trusted, independent source of news, information and diverse music programs heard no where else on the dial. Stay tuned! Enjoy, and thank you for your support.