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The difference weather can make

By on March 3, 2013 in Photos, Stories
Snow on Nome mountains

Snowy mountains near Nome, photographed February 2011. Photo by David Dodman.

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 days, the light contrasts the Bering Sea shoreline, high places on the tundra, the rolling hills, and steep mountains, making travel easier for those using landmarks to find their way. At times, heavy snowfall makes any travel impossible.

In this season, casual observers along the Bering Sea coast can see helmeted travelers making their way across the snow and ice by snowmachine (or snowmobile) and, at the same time, witness sled dogs, strung together, pulling a sled and a solitary musher. Whatever the means of transportation, getting home can be a challenge at times.

We thank all who support KNOM and ask that you please join us as we pray that all who travel arrive safely at journey’s end.

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In the frigid air, construction continues

By on February 24, 2013 in Photos, Stories
Digital studios construction, February 13

Construction workers quickly erect the outside frame of the new Tom and Florence Busch Digital Studios, as seen from the second floor window of KNOM’s current facilities.

The moon shines from a pale blue sky as ice crystals dance across the tundra, carried by a fierce North wind. The sun makes the snow on the land and sea ice sparkle like a billion diamonds. The ice has stopped shifting (for now), and a few brave souls are setting their crab pots through holes in the frozen Bering Sea, hoping to harvest a winter bounty of crab.

Suffering through cold temperatures and a bitterly cold wind, our construction crew has just finished nailing down the roof structure for KNOM’s Tom and Florence Busch Digital Studios. KNOM news director Laureli Kinneen baked a batch of cookies for these hardy men. The crew enjoyed the tasty treats and then went right back to work. Please add your prayers to ours for the health and safety of these wonderful carpenters.

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What’s a “sun dog”?

By on February 17, 2013 in Photos, Stories
A "sun dog" over Nome

During sunrise on a recent morning, a “sun dog” – the partial halo of light around the disc of the sun – was particularly glorious over downtown Nome. Photo by David Dodman.

The bitterly cold temperatures are lingering, but there is more daylight to enjoy. Last week, we experienced a remarkable atmospheric phenomenon: bright, colorful spots of light on either side of the sun, observed as the sun sat low on the horizon. The scientific name is parhelion, but here in Alaska we call them “sun dogs.”

This unique light show is caused by light passing through plate-shaped hexagonal ice crystals during very cold weather. The crystals act as prisms, bending the light rays (as the crystals sink through the air, they are vertically aligned, and sunlight is refracted horizontally); this creates the colorful, “phantom sun” or sun dog.

Meanwhile, exceptional things are happening on the ground, too. Our brave construction crew is battling extreme temperatures as they tilt up walls at KNOM’s Tom and Florence Busch Digital Studios. Please pray for their health and safety.

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Amid the cold, construction begins for our new studios!

By on February 10, 2013 in Photos, Stories

Evening construction on the digital studios

Western Alaska village temperatures are dropping, and wind chills sometimes reach 50 below. The north wind is relentless, and it is cold! Any exposed skin quickly reddens and is accompanied by an unmistakable stinging sensation, reminding you to cover up or get inside where it is warm.

Even with these cold temperatures, the construction crew building the Tom and Florence Busch Digital Studios at KNOM are hard at work, setting beams and joists. As we have seen in the past, getting construction materials to Nome is very difficult, and there have been a few delivery delays of critical construction materials. Work is now proceeding, and the crew will soon be attaching the plywood and insulating the floor system.They are a hardy bunch, and we can’t thank them enough for working through cold and windy winter weather.

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Amid the deep winter, 5th graders take their turn in KNOM Studios

By on February 3, 2013 in Stories

The frozen tundra sparkles with many shades of blue; the renewed sunlight shines across the snow covered landscape. The Bering Sea is covered with huge chunks of ice, pushed to the surface as the icepack shifts and thickens in subfreezing temperatures. Steam rises from exposed sea water.

Last week, a local 5th grade class visited the KNOM Radio studios. These excited and energetic young students came in to record public service announcements. Small groups of studious children gathered in Studio C, while KNOM producer Dayneé Rosales recorded their voices for broadcast at a later time. It is always a delight to hear these young voices on KNOM.

In the KNOM lobby, the rest of the class quietly studied their lines, waiting for their turn to read their PSA scripts. When it was time for them to leave, each fifth grader smiled, waved goodbye, and said “thank you.”

Thank you to everyone who makes KNOM possible.

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KNOM heard in Sweden!

By on January 28, 2013 in Stories

The light is returning, and on clear days, the sky radiates a sparkling, deep blue light. Sunrise and sunset glow with fiery yellow and red hues. At night, the stars and planets twinkle with occasional interruptions from majestic auroras.


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Last week, we received notification that a long-distance radio listener in a small village called Forsa (shown in the map above), about 300 kilometers north of Stockholm, Sweden, picked up a very weak KNOM radio signal by using an antenna and 2,600 feet of wire pointing at North America.

The listener wrote,

I am one of those guys who likes to listen to foreign radio stations on AM. The satisfaction of catching a radio signal from a faraway distance with no other connection than the airwaves is like a good hunt for a hunter. I like the format of your station; (it’s) good music in my taste, just as a local AM-station should be.

Thank you to everyone who makes KNOM possible.

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Anticipating a prestigious award

By on January 20, 2013 in Stories

Great news!

The National Association of Broadcasters has officially announced that KNOM will receive the 2013 NAB Crystal Heritage Award; it’s the broadcasting organization’s capstone award recognizing outstanding commitment to community service.

We congratulate and thank all who have helped KNOM garner such a prestigious honor. Our radio station is only the fourth ever to receive the Crystal Heritage Award, and the entire KNOM staff is all smiles. We are blessed with wonderful support that allows us to produce programming that receives such national recognition.

We thank everyone who helps to make this possible, and as always, we share this award with you.

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Howling winds outside, and a mentorship in our newsroom

By on January 14, 2013 in Stories

The winds are howling and the snow is flying as Alaska’s winter continues into 2013. The KNOM weather reports help families stay safe and plan their winter travel. However, one unaware traveler recently had to be rescued by helicopter from an ice floe due to extreme north winds (which separated the sea ice nearest Nome from its shoreline). Our message is always a clear one, “listen to KNOM for the latest weather forecast!”

This week, KNOM news director Laureli Kinneen is mentoring a young listener from the community of Koyuk. She is studying broadcasting and, during her college break, will be job-shadowing Laureli, interviewing area news-makers, and writing news stories. It is such a blessing to pass on the mission ideals of KNOM to young students.

We are thankful for all the prayers, kind comments, and contributions. The KNOM family is serving our remote part of the world, and we thank you for all you do for us.

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Weathering the season

By on January 6, 2013 in Stories

Several additional minutes of sunlight greet us each day as we weather the cold, windy days and nights.

KNOM weather reports help remote listeners prepare for the harsh conditions experienced throughout western Alaska. Our region’s extreme weather means that getting the right information at the right time is often a matter of life or death. KNOM keeps everyone connected with the latest warnings, watches, and reports.

We pass on the thanks of the many listeners who appreciate the support of the entire KNOM family. You are keeping the beacon of faith, hope, and charity burning bright in their lives every day.

Our prayers for you, for your family, and for all you hold dear. Have a happy and healthy New Year!

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Our extended family

By on December 30, 2012 in Stories

The cold temperatures and snow have created a frozen wonderland across the tundra and the icy Bering Sea. With about 4 hours of daylight, the horizon is colored with reds and oranges that dazzle. Winter is amazing!

Looking back at 2012, we have seen so many people work to keep KNOM radio a vital mission! Please know that thousands of listeners spread out over 100,000 square miles appreciate the work of the entire KNOM family. They make our ministry possible. We are truly blessed!

Last week a listener called with a simple message, “Thank you for everything you do, and thank you for everyone at KNOM.”

For KNOM listeners, during the hardest times in their lives, the KNOM family is there to help and make a positive difference. Happy New Year!

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