KUAC restores broadcast hours, revives programs with KTOO

Public broadcasting stations KUAC in Fairbanks and KTOO in Juneau have brought programming from the Create and World television channels back to viewers across Alaska.

The programs became available via local transmission and the Alaska Rural Communication System on Jan. 1 at 12:01 a.m. Also on Jan. 1, KUAC returned to broadcasting 24 hours a day.

KUAC reduced its broadcast hours and programming after the loss of federal funding last year.

The reinstated hours were possible after cost-saving measures, community support and assistance from the national Public Media Bridge Fundand the Alaska Community Foundation's Voices Across Alaskafund.

A new KUAC-KTOO partnership allowed the stations to restore access to some World and Create TV channel programming.

"During a very challenging period in public broadcasting's history, it's a thrill to collaborate with KTOO to make this happen for Alaskans throughout our state," said Gretchen Gordon, KUAC's general manager. "It is only through the generosity and support of our community that we were able to make this happen."

KTOO will broadcast KUAC 9.4 on KTOO 3.2. It offers programming from First Nations Experienceand Create in alternating six-hour blocks following this schedule:

• 5-11 a.m. - FNX
• 11 a.m.-5 p.m. - Create
• 5 -11 p.m. - FNX
• 11 p.m.-5 a.m. - Create

KUAC will broadcast KTOO 3.3 on KUAC 9.9, offering KTOO's 360TV. KTOO 3.3 delivers Gavel Alaska during the legislative session, other Alaska content and some newly added World Channel programming.

"We're excited to expand our collaborations across the state and ensure that more Alaskans have access to great public media programming. Counterprogramming Gavel Alaska with World's outstanding offers cements KTOO 360TV's role as Alaska's public affairs network," said Justin Shoman, KTOO's general manager. "Meanwhile, Juneau audiences will continue to be served with PBS, thanks to our partnership with Alaska Public Media and FNX and Create through this new partnership with KUAC."

Alaska Rural Communication System viewers now receive PBS from Alaska Public Media, FNX and Create from KUAC, and Gavel Alaskaand World from KTOO 360TV.

"American Public Television is pleased to be a part of the KTOO/KUAC collaboration to bring more universal coverage of APT programming to urban and rural Alaskans," said Shawn Halford, APT's executive vice president. "We recognize that Alaska is different, the vast area and large rural population mean that smart collaborations like this help reach as many people as possible."

For more information, visit KUAC's website, kuac.org, or KTOO's website, ktoo.org.

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