From the first concept of a radio station through the present day, KNOM has been programmed with popular music, to attract a large audience.  8 times an hour, the station plays inspirational and educational spots.

    Each month, a few of the inspirational spots are printed in the station's newsletter, The Nome Static.
 

In the early 1970's, many of the educational spots dealt with extremely simple subjects, instructing listeners on the importance of washing hands, brushing teeth, keeping drinking water safe, etc.  Later, spots branched out to teach history and science, and fight the region's many endemic problems, such as domestic violence, suicide, alcohol, drug and inhalant abuse.    In the original KNOM studio, one wall of the manager's office was covered by a massive 4- by 8-foot clip board, on which each of the station's 64 spots was represented by a 5- by 8-inch card.

 

A 1971 Educational Spot card   full size (134k)

A 1971 Inspirational Spot card full size (129k)

 

Until 1993, spots were recorded onto broadcast tape cartridges.  Today, they are digital files, recorded directly onto computer hard drives.    (Right) Some of the 64 spots in rotation, tape cartridges in the studio rack, 1982.    (Below) On July 21, 1993, the last year KNOM used carts, "The Lord Be With You" program plays in deck #2, while an inspirational spot is ready to play in deck #3.

full size (72k)

 

Currently, KNOM broadcasts approximately 34,000 Inspirational and 34,000 Educational Spots every year.         According to the most recent audience measurement survey, the average KNOM listener hears 10,300 of these spots each year.

Copyright 2008 KNOM Radio