Jenn, “Welcomed into the Story”
After arriving at our station in June, volunteer news reporter Jenn Ruckel has been working to immerse herself in Western Alaska to understand it, and thereby report on it, better.
In the wake of the storm
Last November, storms brought exceptional damage to some of the communities we serve. Two separate storm systems in the Bering Sea – severe, in large part, because of their strong winds, high seas, and potential for coastal flooding – ripped through our region in less than a week. While Nome saw some relatively moderate damage, […]
The first hints of winter
The snow is starting to accumulate on the mountains, hills, and the tundra. At night, if the sky is clear, you can sometimes see wispy, colorful auroras dancing in the expansive darkness. During the day, the weather ranges from snowy to mostly sunny and cold. As the seasons change and the thermometer heads towards zero, […]
Engineer’s corner: “Shake, shake, shake”
As promised in last month’s edition of the Static, we’re happy to present the latest on KNOM’s equipment and technical issues with a new segment – the Engineer’s Corner – courtesy of volunteer engineer Rolland Trowbridge: On one morning in early May, the transmitter-to-studio data link, or TSL, quit working. This link allows volunteers at […]
Breakup, mail delays, and Communicator Awards
All across Western Alaska, it’s the season known as “breakup”: the slow, on-again/off-again period of melting that signals the gradual approach of summer. Some days are bright and sunny, and others are cloudy and snowy. The sun melts ice on rooftops as the tundra gives up its blanket of white snow, little by little. Spring […]
Transitions
Although our daylight hours are increasing, the final throes of winter are long in Western Alaska. With temperatures just below freezing, small pellets of ice and snow still fall from the sky. Cooler-than-normal temperatures are slowing the retreat of the ice and snow, the air is brisk, and you can hear the occasional crackling of sea […]
April ice, and a prestigious award
The winter weather continues: temperatures hover near zero as more ice forms on the Bering Sea. The frigid temperatures bring dazzling, clear, sunlit days and awe-inspiring nights – with the moon and stars shining brightly in the night sky. We gladly share the congratulations of the entire radio broadcasting community for KNOM’s 2013 Crystal Heritage Award […]
Coming soon: a special award – and warmer weather
The winter weather is lingering as the daylight grows, and temperatures are hovering around 5 degrees above zero. Warmer days are just around the corner, and soon, the ice will begin to melt. Many times, however, chunks of ice on the shore of the Bering Sea remain well into June, blowing out to sea only as the summer solstice looms. KNOM keeps listeners […]
Happy Easter!
From all of us at KNOM, a very Happy Easter! In Western Alaska, there are already a few signs of spring. The temperatures are warming slightly, the days are rapidly becoming longer, and the moon looms large in the night sky, casting a soft light upon the frozen Bering Sea and ice-covered tundra. The stunning […]
The difference weather can make
What a difference the weather can make: especially in Western Alaska, and especially at this time of year. On cloudy days, the dull light blurs the snowy landscape, and depth perception, over long distances, is more difficult. This “flat light” is a challenge for all who travel on land and the frozen sea. On sunny […]