KBRW (AM)

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

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.

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]

  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)".