| City | Valdez, Alaska |
|---|---|
| Country | US |
| Area | Chugach Census Area · Copper River Census Area |
| Branding | KCHU |
| Format | Public Radio |
| Affiliations | NPR · Public Radio Exchange |
| Owner | Terminal Radio, Inc. |
| Sister stations | KXGA · KXKM |
| Airdate | August 2, 1986 |
| Licensing authority | FCC |
| Facility id | 65232 |
| Class | A (clear channel) |
| Power | 1,000 watts |
| Coordinates | 61°06′40″N 146°15′39″W |
| Website | kchu.org |
KCHU (770 kHz) is a non-commercial radio station in Valdez, Alaska. Through its main transmitter, two full-service FM stations, and four translators, the station covers an area the size of the state of Ohio, but with a population just over 10,000.[1][2]
Overview
KCHU airs a range of public radio programming from the National Public Radio and Public Radio Exchange networks, including Morning Edition, All Things Considered, The World, Democracy Now, Fresh Air, American Routes, Beale Street, and World Cafe. It also broadcasts local and state news and public affairs programs, as well as music programs hosted by community volunteers.[1]
KCHU broadcast at 770 AM for nearly 40 years. In 2025, after experiencing ground erosion that threatened its main tower, the station moved to 91.3 FM with the installation of a new tower and transmitter.[3] KCHU is repeated on KXKM 89.7 FM in McCarthy and KXGA 90.5 FM in Glennallen. It is also relayed by four low-power translators to widen its broadcasting area.[1][2]
Original KCHU, 1975-77
The KCHU callsign was assigned earlier to a community radio station licensed to Dallas, Texas in the mid-late 1970s. The station was started by Dennis Gross and Lorenzo Milam, who had previously worked together at a pioneer community station, KDNA, in St. Louis. KCHU signed on at 90.9 FM on September 1, 1975, broadcasting an eclectic mix of music and public affairs programs. Beleaguered by debt and political infighting, the station signed off exactly two years later.[4][5]
KCHU Television
The KCHU call letters were originally used on a television station licensed to San Bernardino, in Southern California, which operated on channel 18 from March 6, 1962, until June 25, 1964.[6]
Stations
In addition to its main frequency, KCHU broadcasts on the following repeater and translator stations:
References
- ^ "Station Profile". KCHU website. Retrieved March 2, 2009.
- ^ "Radio Analysis for Alaska". Public Telecommunications Funding Program. Archived from the original on May 8, 2009. Retrieved March 2, 2009.
- ^ "An Overview of KCHU Public Radio" KCHU website
- ^ Lorenzo, Milam (1986). The Radio Papers: From KRAB to KCHU. San Diego, California: MHO & MHO Works. pp. 105–116. ISBN 9780917320187. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
- ^ Walker, Jesse (2001). Rebels on the Air: An Alternative History of Radio in America. New York, NY: New York University Press. pp. 109, 133. ISBN 0-8147-9381-9. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
kchu.
- ^ Richards, K.M. "The History of UHF Television: KCHU/18, San Bernardino CA". Retrieved May 5, 2019.