KUAC FM 89.9

A non-commercial FM public radio station operated by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, broadcasting at 89.9 MHz. The station holds the distinction of being Alaska's first non-commercial radio station and the first FM station in Interior Alaska, having signed on October 1, 1962, originally at 104.9 MHz. It is the state's longest continuously operating public broadcaster. KUAC carries programming from National Public Radio, Public Radio International, American Public Media, and the Alaska Public Radio Network. The schedule features multi-hour blocks of classical music and jazz alongside programs focused on other genres, including Afropop Worldwide, Beale Street Caravan, Hearts of Space, Mountain Stage, and World Cafe. A large volunteer corps contributes locally produced programming, primarily in the evenings and on weekends. The station began stereo broadcasting in January 1968 and has expanded its signal strength and reach several times since its founding. Listenership was historically strong in Fairbanks from the station's early years; FM radio ownership in the city exceeded the national average by 1967, even when KUAC was the region's only FM outlet. The station's output once served the entire state through tape duplication to commercial stations.