The KNOM news department has recently reported on beautification efforts made by the city of Nome: the “abatement” (or demolition) of a number of abandoned structures. In the small communities we serve, these small civic improvements can make a big difference in town pride and even public safety; on rare occasions, abandoned structures can become major fire hazards. Thanks to your support, we’re able to report on such important quality-of-life improvements in our region.
Just before the deadline for the Christmas 2012 Static (our newsletter), we received great news: KNOM had received two Goldie Awards at the annual convention of the Alaska Broadcasters Association!
The awards recognize KNOM news programs; you’ll find more details here, as well as in our forthcoming Year-End 2012 newsletter.
Our mission’s new volunteer news reporter, Margaret DeMaioribus, arrived at KNOM in late summer and has hit the ground running. On weekdays, our listeners hear her voice in weather forecasts and news reports on the latest developments happening in their communities.
Margaret has a diverse background. She graduated in 2009 from West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s in exercise science with minors in nutrition and psychology.
Before coming to KNOM, she spent a year of service in Cleveland, Ohio at Maggie’s Place, a home for pregnant mothers and babies in need.
She’s also driven across the USA and snorkeled on the Great Barrier Reef.
As for her self-described “fun facts,” Margaret has a 2nd-degree black belt in Tang Soo Do (a Korean martial art form) and has “mascot experience,” having worked in costume as Elmo, Dora the Explorer and the Pink Panther.
In her free time, you’re likely to find Margaret hiking, reading, or singing at Sunday Mass. She says it’s been her dream to live in Alaska, and we’re thrilled to have her fulfill that dream at KNOM. Welcome, Margaret!
In winter, the ice on Western Alaska’s rivers – such as the mouth of the Snake River in Nome – becomes thick enough to support people and small vehicles.
The snow covers mountains, hills, and the tundra. On clear nights, we are blessed with colorful auroras as the night sparkles with stars and planets. The scenic majesty of bush Alaska is breathtaking during the day and at night. As the seasons change and the thermometer falls towards zero, we thank all who help us make a positive difference every minute of every day.
Soon, the Bering Sea will turn to a slushy soup of ice crystals. Then the shore ice will fasten itself to the beaches (and the rivers, as pictured above) and the light will fade, declining about six minutes each day. As the seasons change, KNOM is constant in broadcasting critical weather, news, information, inspiration, and entertainment. We owe so much to so many who have helped us for nearly five decades: from planning to engineering, construction, and operation. We are truly blessed!
The Manhattan skyline shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
September 11, 2001
Starting at 6am, KNOM airs 68 hours of live, continuous news coverage on the terrible events of today, interrupted only three times: for weather, for important announcements, and for the Rosary.
Amy (Flaherty) Gorn, who served at KNOM Radio for over six years: first as a volunteer, and then as a permanent staff member in the position of public affairs director.
September 1, 2008
After more than six years of service to the mission, Amy Flaherty departs for more urban parts of Alaska. She has produced hundreds of programs and news interviews. Her replacement is Laureli Kinneen, who grew up in the town of Unalakleet, 146 miles southeast of Nome. Her husband Fen was raised in Nome and, like Laureli, grew up a KNOM listener.
August 15, 1993
From Tacoma, Washington, Tom Bunger is among KNOM’s six volunteers, all new.
He’s assigned as news reporter, working under the supervision of news director Katy Clark. In 1994, Tom is hired as a salaried news director, a position he holds for three years before leaving the station for a career in the computer industry.
It is Tom who creates KNOM’s website in 1997, and he continues to help out the station from time to time.
Bishop Robert Whelan pushes the “on” button for KNOM’s very first program: July 14, 1971.
On July 14, 1971, a dedicated staff of volunteers helped to launch a new kind of radio station. KNOM signed on as a mission radio station: a unifying source of inspiration, education, news, and entertainment. Today, KNOM is the oldest Catholic radio station in the United States.
Over the years, we have heard so many stories about how KNOM makes a positive difference in listeners’ lives. Years ago, a local man dropped by the radio station and, in a soft, low voice, told us how KNOM had saved his life. So many listeners have changed their lives. Many times we can’t repeat the stories, so as to respect the person’s privacy. As each story is told, we are more encouraged to make KNOM a beacon of faith, hope, and charity.
We thank everyone who has helped KNOM put 41 candles on our cake. We’ve only just begun!
Former KNOM news director Paul Korchin, circa late 1990s.
June 29, 2001
Following six months of educational leave, KNOM news director Paul Korchin returns to the station, having earned his Harvard Ph.D. “The doctor is in,” reads a handmade sign on the newsroom door.
As the snow falls, thanks from a listener
Temperatures – and snowflakes! – continue to fall, and the ground is solidly frozen. Cold mornings and evenings are highlighted by beautifully colorful sunrises and sunsets. We are truly blessed to be a part of this radio mission serving Western Alaska.
Last week, we received a phone call from a listener. She thanked us for the companionship that KNOM offers, and she said:
We wish you could have heard her thankful voice to experience, first hand, her appreciation for everyone in the KNOM family. We pass on her kind comments and thanks to all who serve through our radio mission.