As KINY marks its 89th anniversary today, the station’s rich history echoes the evolution of broadcasting and the enduring spirit of Juneau. Since its establishment in 1935, KINY has remained a pillar of the community, offering news, entertainment, and a platform for local voices.
Beginning its broadcast on May 30, 1935, amidst the challenges of the Great Depression, KINY emerged as Juneau’s inaugural commercial radio station, founded by the Alaska Broadcasting Company. Despite its humble beginnings with just 250 watts of power and a modest staff, KINY swiftly became an indispensable source of information and connection for residents. Over the years, it has weathered changes, including the relocation from the Goldstein Building to the Decker Building in downtown Juneau after the former was destroyed by fire in 1939.
During World War II, KINY expanded its role, providing vital news updates to the local population. The 1950s and 1960s heralded a golden era for radio, with KINY at the forefront, offering beloved programs like “Problem Corner,” which fostered community dialogue on local issues.
Today, KINY stands as a testament to the enduring power of local radio. With a diverse lineup of news, talk shows, music, and community programming, the station remains a trusted source of information and entertainment. Its coverage of local events, from festivals to sports, keeps it deeply ingrained in the fabric of Juneau life.
As KINY commemorates its 89th anniversary, it reflects on a legacy defined by service, innovation, and community engagement. From its modest beginnings to its current status as a modern media hub, KINY's journey epitomizes adaptation and growth. As Juneau looks to the future, KINY remains steadfast in its mission to bridge the past and the present while embracing the opportunities ahead, under the ownership of Local First Media Group.
For nearly nine decades, KINY has been more than just a radio station—it has been an integral part of Juneau’s identity, celebrating the voices and stories that make the community unique.
In other news, the National Park Service reports that two climbers are awaiting rescue near the peak of North America’s tallest mountain, Denali. This comes a day after they, along with a third climber, requested assistance following their summit of the 20,310-foot peak.
While the condition of the two climbers awaiting rescue remains unknown, all three individuals listed experience on high-elevation international peaks and two had prior history on Denali.
Despite efforts from park personnel, clouds and high winds are hindering rescue operations. The climbers had indicated plans to descend to a flat area known as the “Football Field” at approximately 19,600 feet, but communication has since been lost.
Turning to public health news, the Alaska Division of Public Health aims to expand wastewater-monitoring programs following their success in detecting outbreaks of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases.
Testing at Anchorage’s John M. Asplund Wastewater Treatment Facility provided early notice of a spike in COVID-19 cases in January 2023, several days ahead of confirmed cases by health laboratories. This method, utilized in multiple Alaska communities including Juneau, Fairbanks, and Bethel, is funded in part by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While wastewater sampling has proven effective, unique challenges exist in Alaska, including the lack of centralized sewer systems in many communities and logistical difficulties due to geographic remoteness and inclement weather.
Despite these challenges, wastewater monitoring serves as a valuable tool for disease surveillance and could potentially expand to detect community use of opioids.
As the November 2024 presidential election approaches, some commentators and observers express concern about the possibility of an electoral tie, while in healthcare, more than 20 million people have been disenrolled from Medicaid, raising particular concerns for Native American communities.
Native Americans, enrolled in Medicaid at higher rates than their white counterparts, face unique challenges in maintaining coverage amid the redetermination process. The unwinding has exacerbated existing obstacles to healthcare access on reservations, with some individuals losing coverage while seeking essential care.
Despite efforts to reenroll, bureaucratic hurdles and delays persist, threatening the health systems and access to care in Native communities. Tribal leaders fear that diminishing Medicaid dollars will exacerbate long-standing health disparities, underscoring the need for equitable healthcare policies.