KNOM Radio Mission is a non-profit radio station located in Nome, on Alaska’s Seward Peninsula. Through the dedicated work of a few full time staff and generations of dedicated volunteers, the station has been on the air for over 40 years. The very first broadcast was in July 1971.
Aerial view of the city of Nome, nestled on the frozen Bering Sea.
The volunteer program has evolved in many ways over the years. Volunteers have always had a close hand in the day-to-day function of the station. Early on, nurses also volunteered for the station. They donated their salary to KNOM in exchange for room and board. These days, the program has narrowed its focus, equipping volunteers with the broadcasting skills needed to work full time at the radio station.
Station volunteers donate a year of their life to full-time radio jobs, including News Reporter, Public Affairs Director, Music Director, and two production director positions. They DJ, learn audio production, and travel the region to gather news stories.
Volunteer Reporter Ben Matheson reads the evening news on-air.
Volunteers live next door to the station in a community house. The house is fully renovated and super-insulated to keep out the winter cold. Each volunteer has their own room, and shares the community living area and kitchen, as well as housekeeping duties!
In their spare time, volunteers enjoy access to Nome’s gym, catch movies at the local theater, or go adventuring on the arctic tundra. Winter offers amazing opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and potluck dinners with friends. As summer rolls around and the sunlight returns, access to hiking and fishing is right outside of town! The community of Nome is rich with opportunity, no matter the interest. Whether volunteering for the local ambulance department, playing live music, or acting in community theater, KNOM volunteers find a way to get involved in the community and to make Nome their home.
Your adventure awaits! You can be a KNOM Volunteer. We are looking for highly motivated individuals with a bachelor’s degree, who thrive in a small community and love to get involved. We are always accepting applications, but give first priority to those received by Feb. 15th for positions to begin by August. Visit www.knom.org/volunteer for more information.
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