Yours for… New Zealand?!
Amazing but true: KNOM’s AM signal was picked up by several radio enthusiasts in New Zealand earlier this year.
AM Transmitter Update
![A silhouette of a crewman ascending a radio tower with the sun and tundra landscape behind him.](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2017-06-13-transmitter-tower-006-2432px-2-1200x800.jpg)
The hardware is purchased, and now, it’s time to install it: the KNOM mission is moving forward with preparations for a new AM transmitter.
Teaching Service
![Nome youth Jonathan Outwater sits behind a radio microphone in the studio with KNOM volunteer Karen Trop.](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/2017-06-13-spring-at-knom-studios-006-2432px-1200x800.jpg)
Part of KNOM’s mission is to bring inspiration and education to Western Alaska. Sometimes, the station’s volunteers get to do so in person. Second-year volunteer Karen Trop has felt “blessed,” she says, to be able to work with youth through her service at KNOM.
What KNOM Has Meant
![In their volunteer days (circa 1980s), Lynette and Ric Schmidt smile outside the old KNOM station building.](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/2013-01-14-vintage-ric-and-lynette-2-Edit-1200x800.jpg)
At the end of this month, we bid farewell to Ric Schmidt, KNOM’s longtime general manager. In his incredible career, Ric has left an indelible mark upon the KNOM mission and its region. With gratitude, we wish Ric every future blessing as he begins his retirement.
A Helping Hand from Van
![Van Craft holds a wrench up to a large battery unit in KNOM's digital studios](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/2017-03-13-van-craft-002-2432px-1200x800.jpg)
Engineer Van Craft continues to provide invaluable help to our mission, especially with refinements to our brand-new digital studios.
A Golden Accolade
KNOM AM/FM recently won an Alaska Broadcasters Association “Goldie” Award for its coverage of the 2016 Iditarod. As always, we’re honored to share the award with all whose support keeps KNOM on the air.
Programming and News, By the Numbers
![Margaret, Karen, and Lauren with Nome high school teacher Justin Heinrich](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/2016-09-21-mdm-and-volz-in-classroom-001-2432px-1200x800.jpg)
Through your support, inspiration, education, and news remain the focus of our daily work, as they have been since 1971. Thousands of times each year, KNOM’s broadcasts carry snapshots of our region: of its culture and heritage, its local news and stories, and its faith.
The Challenges of Staying On-Air
![Van Craft with AM Transmitter, Nome, Alaska](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/2016-02-13-static-misc-053-2432px-2-1200x800.jpg)
When a very rare failure occurred at our AM transmitter in late January, thousands of listeners lost access to our station. It took extraordinary measures — and support from near and far — to get us back on the air. The event also underscored the importance of our efforts to renovate our studios.
2015 Nods from the ABA
![2015 Alaska Broadcasters Association Goldies](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/2015-11-11-laura-matt-and-goldies-019-1200x800.jpg)
Thanks to you, KNOM is making waves throughout our state. In November, our station was honored with five awards from the Alaska Broadcasters Association.
Spring Awards for KNOM
![Kristin, Matthew, and David, holding AK Press Club awards](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/2015-05-12-ak-press-club-007-2432px-1200x800.jpg)
This spring has been an exceptionally award-winning season for our small radio mission. In the past month, we’ve been humbled with awards for excellence in broadcasting and online content from two different respected media organizations.