KUAC (FM)

KUAC is a non-commercial FM radio station in Fairbanks, Alaska, broadcasting at 89.9 MHz. The station is operated by the University of Alaska Fairbanks. It debuted on October 2, 1962, originally at 104.9 MHz, as Alaska's first non-commercial radio station and second FM station (after KNIK in Anchorage).

KUAC airs public radio programming, primarily from National Public Radio, Public Radio International and American Public Media, as well as other sources, such as the Alaska Public Radio Network. In keeping with its roots, numerous multi-hour blocks of classical and jazz musics are programmed throughout the schedule, as well as programs focusing on more modern genres such as Afropop Worldwide, Beale Street Caravan, Hearts of Space, Mountain Stage and World Cafe. The station has an extensive pool of volunteers, who produce many hours of locally originated programming per week, mostly in the evenings and on weekends.

History

On October 1, 1962, the University of Alaska Fairbanks launched KUAC, the first public radio station in the state of Alaska and the first FM in Interior Alaska, at 104.9 FM. It replaced an older carrier current station on the campus. Despite being the first—and for years, the only—FM station in the region, listenership was high, and ownership of FM radios in Fairbanks was above the national average by 1967. With no other public stations in the state, some KUAC output, such as the newspaper editorial roundup Alaska's Opinions, was duplicated onto tapes and sent out to commercial stations statewide.

KUAC-FM began broadcasting in stereo in January 1968, more than a month later than planned, after strong demand for stereo radio equipment prompted manufacturers to be backlogged on orders.