KBRW (AM)

KBRW is a non-commercial radio station in Utqiagvik, Alaska, broadcasting on 680 kHz 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
CityUtqiagvik, Alaska
Broadcast areaAlaska Bush
BrandingKBRW-AM
SloganTop of the World Radio
Frequency680 kHz
First air dateDecember 22, 1975
FormatPublic radio
Power10,000 watts
ClassA
Facility ID60375
Call sign meaningBaRroW (city's former name)
OwnerSilakkuagvik Communications, Inc.
Sister stationsKBRW-FM
Websitekbrw.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 1979, KBRW was the northernmost affiliate of the weekly chart show, American Top 40 with Casey Kasem, which is no longer heard on KBRW.[1]

Translators
Broadcast translators of KBRW
Call signFrequency
(MHz)		City of licenseERP
(W)		ClassFCC info
K201AG88.1Nuiqsut, Alaska200DFCC
K201AH88.1Kaktovik, Alaska39DFCC
K201AV88.1Point Lay, Alaska48DFCC
K268AA101.5Point Hope, Alaska17DFCC
K268AB101.5Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska18DFCC

History

The station began broadcasting in 1976 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.[2]

References
  1. American Top 40 with Casey Kasem: The 1970s, by Pete Battistini (p.273). Bloomington, Indiana: Author House, 2004.
  2. "KBRW-radio station, Barrow, Alaska?". www.redwaveradio.com. Retrieved Jul 31, 2019.

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