KBRW (AM)

(Redirected from K201AG)

KBRW (680 AM) is a non-commercial radio station in Utqiaġvik, Alaska, broadcasting with 10,000 watts of power from a non-directional antenna. KBRW is a Class A station broadcasting on the clear-channel frequency of 680 AM. The station airs public radio programming from the National Public Radio and Native Voice One networks. KBRW also airs some locally originated programming, as well as native affairs, popular music and religious programs. KBRW is a pretty common AM station among Finnish and other Nordic DX listeners during winter time as the station is located by the Arctic Ocean and is relatively close to Nordic countries.

KBRW
Broadcast areaAlaska Bush
Frequency680 kHz
BrandingKBRW-AM
Programming
FormatPublic radio
Public Affairs
Popular music
Religious
Ownership
OwnerSilakkuagvik Communications, Inc.
KBRW-FM
History
First air date
December 22, 1975
Call sign meaning
BaRroW (city's former name)
Technical information[1]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID60375
ClassA (Clear channel)
Power10,000 watts
Links
Public license information
WebcastListen Live
Websitewww.kbrw.org

Licensee Silakkuagvik Communications, Inc. also operates KBRW-FM at 91.9 FM, which airs a different programming schedule from this station.

The station's studios in Barrow.

The KBRW broadcast stream on the Internet (www.kbrw.org and www.kbrwradio.org) is believed to be the northernmost source for broadcast streaming audio on Earth.

Earl Finkler, a longtime station staffer, became known beyond Barrow as an interviewer and commentator. His commentaries were aired on multiple public radio networks, and also appeared in the Arctic Sounder newspaper. He remains well known for his association with KBRW even after retiring to his home state of Wisconsin.

As early as January 1979, KBRW was the northernmost affiliate of the weekly chart show, American Top 40 with Casey Kasem, which is no longer heard on KBRW.[2] KBRW's format is a variety of public radio, public and native affairs, religious programming, and popular music.[3]

Translators

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Broadcast translators for KBRW
Call sign Frequency City of license FID ERP (W) Class FCC info
K201AG 88.1 FM Nuiqsut, Alaska 60379 200 D LMS
K201AH 88.1 FM Kaktovik, Alaska 60378 39 horizontal D LMS
K201AV 88.1 FM Point Lay, Alaska 60380 48 horizontal D LMS
K268AA 101.5 FM Point Hope, Alaska 60373 17 horizontal D LMS
K268AB 101.5 FM Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska 60376 18 horizontal D LMS

History

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The station began broadcasting in December 22, 1975 on 680 AM with 1,000 watts. Smaller FM signals were added in 1988. The AM signal was upgraded to 10,000 watts in 1996. Shortly after the upgrade, a fire took the station off the air for several weeks. Thanks to the FM transmitters, broadcasting continued near the villages, while a new transmitter was installed to serve the outlying areas.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "Facility Technical Data for KBRW". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. ^ American Top 40 with Casey Kasem: The 1970s, by Pete Battistini (p.273). Bloomington, Indiana: Author House, 2004.
  3. ^ "Indigenous Radio (Indigenous Radio)".
  4. ^ "KBRW-radio station, Barrow, Alaska?". www.redwaveradio.com. Retrieved Jul 31, 2019.
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71°15′24″N 156°31′32″W / 71.25667°N 156.52556°W / 71.25667; -156.52556