Listen to KNOM's 55th anniversary broadcast:
KNOM made its debut on the airwaves on July 14, 1971.
The first-ever broadcast included a blessing from Pope Paul VI, and messages from other famous guests.
"Every time a new radio station goes on the air, I feel happy that the world has become a smaller globe and a bigger neighborhood," Bing Crosby said in the broadcast. "I know a wholesome song and a healthy, hopeful word can light up some pretty dark corners in some pretty sad places. They can make a sorrow bearable that otherwise would be unbearable if there was nobody to share it with."
Governor Egan called the founding of KNOM a step forward in overcoming an problem faced by many Alaskans — Communicating between vast distances.
"We can live and work together only if we understand each other, and we can understand each other, of course, only if we have the means of communicating with each other," he said.
The oldest Catholic Radio station in the United States, KNOM was founded by Jesuit volunteers with backing from the Diocese of Fairbanks. In the early days, the station was staffed almost entirely by volunteers. Many were nurses who donated their salaries to the station in exchange for room and board.
As KNOM has developed and grown to meet the needs of our region, it’s shifted to have a more community-focused approach.
The station separated from the Catholic Church in 2010, becoming an independent non-profit. Now, the station is almost entirely donor-funded, with a full-time staff and a team of dedicated community volunteers.
Inspirational programming remains on KNOM’s airwaves today, in addition to news, information, music, and cultural programming unique to Western Alaska.
KNOM's growth is thanks to the support of our local communities, our volunteers and generous donors from across the country — People like you!
Your contributions help keep KNOM on air. Consider making a gift today.
Whether you've been tuning in since day one, or you're a new listener, thank you for making KNOM part of your life!
