Dear Alaskans,

I’ve been a public radio listener my whole life. Growing up, Alaska Public Radio Network was the only station my mother allowed. For me, like for many Alaskans, the familiar voices on the radio have never been just background noise. They connect us. They bring stories from our communities and beyond, reminding us that no matter where we live, we are part of something bigger, and that we are Alaskans. 

Public media in Alaska is not about national news, cultural programs, and music discovery. In Alaska, it is where families listen for updates on their kids’ basketball games. It is how elders hear important updates in their own language. It is how Alaskans track wildfires, weather, and power outages when other communication lines go down. It is where we listen to our local and state government in action and learn about what is happening around our state. 

That is why the sudden loss of $15 million in federal funding for Alaska’s public media is so concerning. For many communities, losing public media is about losing a lifeline. We believe every Alaskan deserves access to reliable information and the sense of belonging that comes from hearing voices and stories that reflect our lives. 

This month, our board approved a $1.5 million grant to the Voices Across Alaska Fund, an emergency fund launched by Alaska Community Foundation to support public media stations through this crisis. The fund is designed to do two things. Keep stations on the air now and give leaders time to plan for a stronger, sustainable future without federal funding. 

I appreciate this approach because it looks out for all the stations, from Unalaska to Utqiaġvik to Ketchikan to Homer. This grant is about meeting the moment with the long view in mind. 

Elmer said that helping others is an Alaskan tradition. Public media is one of the clearest examples of that. It is neighbors sharing news, culture, and stories across distance. It is voices carrying connection to places where no road can reach. 

We need to meet this moment together. Let’s protect what matters and make sure it is here for generations to come. 

Thank you for all you do 

Gretchen Guess 
President and CEO