Fall 2019 KUAC Program Changes FAQ
Effective Oct. 1, 2019
What is changing?
KUAC terminated KUAC TV channels 9.7, 9.8 (radio channels on television) and 9.9 (360 North) and online digital radio channels KUAC 2 and KUAC 3 that provided programming and streaming, effective Oct. 1.
How does this affect listeners and viewers?
Those who listened to KUAC 2 and 3 via their television and/or streamed KUAC 2 and 3 through KUAC.org could no longer access to these services. Those who watched KUAC TV 9.9 (360 North) would have to seek alternative ways to view this content:
- KTOO.org/watch
- GCI cable
- Dish Network
- DirecTV
Why?
Our funding from the State of Alaska was zeroed-out and funding from the University of Alaska Fairbanks was reduced. UAF continues to support KUAC with administrative and facilities services. Additionally, in order to ensure KUAC’s continuing operations, UAF recently forgave an $800,000 loan that was used to rebuild the KUAC FM transmitter and for much needed updates in KUAC television master control.
Why couldn’t you cut other things before making these cuts?
KUAC has now experienced more than $1.4M in cuts over the past 7 years. Most of the cuts have been invisible to the public. “Over the years, we’ve restructured, we’ve cut deals, we’ve streamlined our operations to the point that most of our staff members are doing multiple positions,” said Keith Martin, former KUAC general manager. With the latest budget reductions, the necessary changes will affect over the air services as well as staff.
Is there anything I can do to help?
KUAC is dependent upon two streams of cash revenue now – that from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and that from philanthropic support (gifts from individuals and businesses). If you would like to donate to KUAC, simply click here to visit our Friends Group and give today. Thank you.
KUAC TV Program Changes 6/5/19
BBC News Replaces BBC Newsnight
Starting June 7, BBC Newsnight is no longer being provided to PBS stations. For the rest of June, BBC Newsnight will be replaced on KUAC TV 9.1 on Fridays at 8:30 p.m. by BBC World News. Saturday night and Sunday morning repeats of BBC Newsnight are being replaced by other alternate programming.
KUAC TV Program Changes 4/7/19
Beginning Sunday, April 7, Nature Cat will replace Clifford The Big Red Dog at 8:30 a.m. on KUAC TV 9.1. You can still catch Clifford on KUAC PBS Kids TV 9.5 at 11 a.m. every day.
KUAC FM Program Changes Feb. 22, 2019
TED Radio Hour moves from noon Saturday to Monday night at 7 and Acoustic Accents moves to Saturday noon
- Saturdays on KUAC FM are for engaging shows for every generation. TED Radio Hour is engaging, but topics are not always comfortable for every generation listening.
- Acoustic Accents is a quality music program that is produced in Alaska and already enjoyed by many on Friday nights. Moving Acoustic Accents to Saturday at noon makes a good bridge from the news and entertainment shows of the morning to the music shows of Saturday afternoon.
- TED Radio Hour is worthy of a separate evening time slot on KUAC FM; it fits best on Monday evenings at 7. The World Café will move from 7-9 p.m. to 8-9 p.m. on Mondays.
- Friday night will have an added bonus hour of ‘Round Midnight, KUAC’s locally-produced, volunteer-hosted weeknight show. It will now start at 9 p.m. on Fridays.
