The largest slate of grant awards in Rasmuson Foundation’s 66-year history will support Alaska projects from Kotzebue to Ketchikan, promoting economic development, recreational opportunities, educational programs for children and more. The KUAC Friends Group was approved for $126,229 toward replacing KUAC’s aging television transmitter.
The current TV transmitter, the oldest continuously operating digital transmitter in Alaska, regularly overheats, causing frequent outages. KUAC TV broadcasts services on seven channels to over 104,000 Interior Alaskans who, without cost, can depend on commercial-free, award-winning children’s educational content, science programs and history documentaries, news and information, and cultural content (music, dance, fine arts), how-to programs, First Nations and Aboriginal content, and state government coverage.
The new transmitter will make available the next generation of television or NextGen TV. This technology will position KUAC to offer a wide range of features that are currently in development. In addition to providing a new, improved way for broadcasters to reach viewers with advanced emergency alerts, NEXTGEN TV features stunning video with brilliant color, sharper images and deeper contrast to create a more life-like experience. With additional funding for the project already secured, KUAC plans to install the new transmitter in the spring/summer of 2022.
“What a thrill to learn that we are part of the largest slate of grant awards in Rasmuson Foundation’s 66-year history,” said Gretchen Gordon, KUAC General Manager and KUAC Friends Group Executive Director. “It is humbling to be awarded alongside so many incredible organizations doing work that improves the quality of life in Alaska. Working together, we all make a significant difference for the people of Alaska, and KUAC Friends Group is honored to partner with the Rasmuson Foundation.”
