July 19, 2019
KUAC FM is expected to be off the air the week of July 29th in order to install a new transmitter and antenna on Ester Dome. This work, which will increase our reliability and on-air consistency. The original start date of July 22nd was postponed due to circumstances beyond our control. We apologize for the confusion and inconvenience of these construction delays.
Does this have anything to do with the Governor’s budget cuts to Public Broadcasting or the University?
No. KUAC has been planning to execute this project for more than a year. In fact, KUAC began project design during late winter of 2018. Quote solicitation for the project commenced in summer 2018, and the contract was fully executed in October 2018. Taking KUAC FM off the air is a necessity in order to complete the project and has nothing to do with the current State budget situation.
Why does KUAC FM need a new transmitter and antenna?
The current equipment is 23+ years old and has served us beyond its life expectancy. It is not adequately meeting our needs to broadcast throughout the Interior.
Why does KUAC FM need to go off the air for this work?
This process involves shutting down the old transmitter, installing a new antenna, powering up the new transmitter and new antenna, then testing the equipment before going live.
When will this happen and how will it affect me?
When KUAC FM goes off the air for construction, You can listen by:
- streaming at KUAC.org,
- setting your television to KUAC 9.6,
- using the NPR app on your smartphone or tablet, or
- telling your Smart Speaker to play KUAC.
We expect to be off the air about a week, depending on how the work progresses and how weather conditions affect the installation.
How can KUAC afford this?
Because this improvement is critical to our continued operations, KUAC worked with UAF leadership to secure a loan to help pay for these necessary upgrades.
What communities will be affected by KUAC FM being off the air?
The entire Fairbanks area, surrounding communities, and Delta Junction, Healy and Nenana will not receive KUAC FM over the air, but will have all the streaming and app options.
Our translator communities, Bettles, Eagle, Nome and Tok, will not be affected.
When I turn my car and home radios to KUAC 89.9 FM all I get is static. Why?
KUAC FM will be off the air while we install new, improved equipment. We’ll be back soon better than ever!
- As a reminder, you can listen to KUAC by:
- streaming at KUAC.org,
- setting your television to KUAC 9.6,
- using the NPR app on your smartphone or tablet, or
- by telling your Smart Speaker to play KUAC.
Will I still get KUAC news during the construction project?
Yes! Dan Bross, Tim Ellis and Robyne will continue to produce and report KUAC news each weekday, and KUAC radio’s regular schedule will be uninterrupted. You will be able to hear KUAC news and programming by:
- streaming at KUAC.org,
- setting your television to KUAC 9.6,
- using the NPR app on your smartphone or tablet, or
- telling your Smart Speaker to play KUAC.
How can I keep informed and up-to-date on any changes?
Visit KUAC.org, follow KUAC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and tune in to KUAC TV 9.6.
