Note: Paul Walker Jr. is a radio host that I first became aware of while working as Operations Manager & News Director in Olean, NY and he was a radio host in St. Marys, PA. He later moved to McGrath, Alaska and took over control of a public broadcasting station. This story has a personal impact for me. Three years ago, when I was medically stricken and unable to speak, I reached out online to Paul and asked if he could 'voice' my newscasts for my various stations. He agreed, without hesitation. We stay is touch today. Another broadcaster who pitched in to help was Jeff Wilson, aka https://www.facebook.com/DJ.Jazzy.J.
I learned quite a bit about in Alaska. I also learned more about Paul and what he meant to the extremely rural Alaska community that might receive food shipments once a week, if lucky. Here is a statement from his employer:
We are deeply saddened to share that the U.S. House of Representatives has approved a plan originally proposed by the Trump administration to rescind $9 billion in previously allocated federal funding. This includes a devastating $1.1 billion cut to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), effectively eliminating all federal support for KSKO Radio.
As a result, Kuskokwim Public Broadcasting Corporation will begin scaling back operations in a way that allows us to remain on the air for as long as possible.
This funding loss impacts every village we serve in the Upper and Middle Kuskokwim region, the GASH area and our listeners in the Ft. Yukon and Fairbanks areas. Your voice matters now more than ever. Our Community Advisory Board will be seeking your input as we make critical decisions about the future of our service.
How can you help fill the gap today?
Support KSKO today by signing up or renewing your membership online or by phone. Your contribution directly supports the local programming, news, and community connection we work hard to provide every day.
We remain committed to our mission of connecting and informing our communities and will do everything we can to preserve that service.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding during this challenging time.
— Kuskokwim Public Broadcasting Corporation / KSKO Radio
I may be a current blogger...but I'll always remain a radio supporter.
