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January 1981: A new computer for Br. Normand

Cromemco Z2 computer ad

An advertisement for the Cromemco Z2 computer (very similar to one of the computer components used by KNOM in the early 1980s), as seen in the July 1977 issue of Byte magazine.

January 23, 1981

KNOM places a $16,435 order for a Cromemco Z2-H computer. Running at 4 MHz and with a 64k memory, the system includes two terminals. Using Structured Basic programming language, Br. Normand Berger, FIC, writes a program for keeping track of donations. One terminal sits in reception, the other in the manager’s office. The computer, paid for by a diamond engagement ring that had been donated to the station years earlier, makes a tremendous improvement in KNOM’s office efficiency.

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2012 Financial Report

The fiscal year from July 2011 to June 2012 was unique for our mission; the year saw the transition of KNOM to a new, independent nonprofit entity (KNOM Radio Mission, Inc.), as well as the first steps in our studio annex project, the Tom and Florence Busch Digital Studios. With your enthusiastic support, we finished the fiscal year in the black. Our income was $2,039,092, our expenses $1,646,678. Nearly all of this “extra” income is dedicated either to our digital studios construction or to other long-term development goals, described in further detail below.

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As always, the large majority of our income in the past fiscal year came from individual donors. 55.6% of KNOM’s overall income ($1,133,241) was from one-time or recurring donations, while 24.3% ($495,860) came from legacy gifts (funds entrusted to KNOM from wills, bequests, or estates). Legacy giving continues to provide a vital part of our operating budget.

Miscellaneous income – 17.6% ($359,668) – was higher than normal and consisted almost entirely of a settlement KNOM received in April at the conclusion of a two-year litigation against a former contractor. This money is earmarked for a long-term development plan to build financial infrastructure for KNOM’s future sustainability.

The remaining 2.5% of our funds came from interest on our bank accounts (just $826) and related income ($49,497), consisting of program underwriting from local organizations and fees from the National Weather Service, which rents space on our AM transmitter tower to broadcast its dedicated weather channel.

Both our expenses and income over the fiscal year were made higher by our digital studios campaign. While our capital campaign brought in more financial support, our expenses also included the architectural designs and plans for our studio expansion and renovation: a project that will continue, with your support, well into 2013.

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Our expenses included $361,995 for fundraising (22.0%); $115,698 for this newsletter (7.0%); $245,237 for general operations (14.9%); $239,989 for programming and technical costs (14.6%); and $683,759 for staff salaries (41.5%).

Our full-time volunteers remain an essential part of our operations, and their service – working full-time for room, board, and a small personal stipend – saved our mission about $111,000 in fiscal year 2012.

We saved, also, through new, energy-efficient technologies described in previous editions of this newsletter. In particular, the installation of dynamic carrier control (DCC) – a cost-saving method of power management at our AM transmitter site – paid for itself within three months, and we estimate that DCC will save $35,000 in electricity costs over fiscal year 2013.

As always, everything that we do is made possible through your support. Thanks so much!

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At year’s end, gratitude and service

As 2012 comes to an end, we thank the entire KNOM family for keeping positive programming beaming to thousands of families. Your support affects listeners across 100,000 square miles of snow-covered tundra and the frozen Bering Sea. The KNOM staff and volunteers appreciate the opportunity to serve remote listeners, 24 hours a day!

We wish you could see the young, enthusiastic volunteers recording, editing, and producing inspirational spots, PSAs, news stories, interviews, music, and many other radio programs. These young professionals work tirelessly to make a positive difference throughout Western Alaska. As we have said in the past, KNOM lights the fire of their desire to make a difference in the lives of everyone. We also remember all the past volunteers and staff that helped build up the KNOM radio ministry.

In recognition of all who donate, pray, volunteer, and help KNOM, we offer our gratitude: thank you, and all best wishes for a healthy, happy, and very blessed 2013.

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Construction underway!

Drilling a hole

Construction workers drill the first hole for the foundation pilings of KNOM’s new studio annex.

Construction of the Tom and Florence Busch Digital Studios has begun! The pilings are in place, and the contractor will arrive soon to build our super-insulated addition. Please pray that more supporters come forward to make this last dream of the late Tom Busch a reality.

We are so thankful for your gifts and for all the blessings we have received, especially lately! Engineering volunteer Rolland Trowbridge is replacing five dysfunctional power modules in the Nautel AM transmitter; one of the modules actually caught fire for a brief time. Thankfully, the fire was limited only to the module itself! The new transmitter equipment brings us an unexpected expense of $5,000-6,000. However, the cost would have been much higher if the entire AM transmitter building had caught fire.

There are always challenges to meet and obstacles to overcome as we work to keep KNOM on the air in service to dozens of remote communities. Thank you for making our mission possible. We thank all who help KNOM.

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