In this day and age of instant communication, it is hard to imagine that there are people who live in remote areas, often isolated by distance or weather. The Diocese of Fairbanks in northern Alaska has many Catholics in such a situation. With only 40 parishes spread out over 409,000 square miles, ministry needs to be creative. And creativity has led to ministry by radio.
The diocese operates the oldest Catholic radio station in the US, KNOM, located in Nome, Alaska. It primarily serves small, isolated Eskimo and Indian villages in Western Alaska but can be heard as far as Tokyo and even New Zealand. It broadcasts from the shore of the Bering Sea on channels AM 780 and FM 96.1.
KNOM provides 24-hour coverage, offering news, hope, inspirational messages and education. The radio station strives to “become a friend to the listener on a personal, caring, positive level, within a consistent, professional radio format.”
Although residents of the “lower 48 states” will need to travel to Alaska to listen around-the-clock to this great resource, fascinating soundclips are available on their website. These include reflections, educational interviews, inspirational spots, Eskimo music, and Eskimo stories and legends.
Posted by APWeb 
