Alaska Public Media receives $1.15M in grants for equipment upgrades

Published 2:02 pm Friday, August 7, 2026

Alaska Public Media (AKPM) has received grants to support equipment modernization and related upgrades to better serve Alaskans.

The Rasmuson Foundation, an Anchorage-based private family foundation, awarded AKPM $650,000 to replace aging broadcast and information technology systems, while the Vancouver, Washington-based M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust committed $500,000 toward the purchase and installation of new equipment that will significantly increase broadcast capabilities.

The equipment upgrades will modernize broadcast and technology systems to expand access to public broadcasting, connecting more individuals to local news and educational content throughout the state.

AKPM president and CEO Ed Ulman said that this tremendous investment provides significant enhancements for the statewide public media services it manages on behalf of the independent and locally-controlled system of public television and radio stations in Alaska.

“A modern, interconnected 24/7/365 media system helps to ensure that all Alaskans can receive potentially life-saving public safety information from Ketchikan to Utqiaġvik to Unalaska and to every population center in between,” he said.

The funds will help to upgrade core IT network infrastructure and audio and video automation systems, and add two disaster recovery systems. Funds will also help expand KSKA radio’s reach in Girdwood and add coverage in Seward and Whittier.

The upgrades will allow AKPM to use and interface with changing technology, ensure resilient and reliable communications across the state in times of emergency, and reach and serve even more Alaskans across the state.

AKPM stated that Alaska’s size, distance, and challenging geography make dependable broadcast infrastructure especially important.

“Alaska Public Media is committed to technology that continues to connect communities and keep information freely available on the platforms Alaskans use,” AKPM added. “Work supported by the grants will take place in phases as equipment is purchased, installed and integrated into Alaska Public Media’s existing systems.”

AKPM is a shared Public Broadcasting System (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR) member located in Southcentral Alaska. It is comprised of KSKA radio, KAKM-TV, Create TV, PBS KIDS, and alaskapublic.org.

AKPM also operates the Statewide News network and a shared television service with KTOO in Juneau and KYUK in Bethel.