close
Jump to content

KCHU

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

KCHU
Broadcast area
Frequency770 kHz
BrandingKCHU
Programming
FormatPublic Radio
Affiliations
Ownership
OwnerTerminal Radio, Inc.
  • KXGA
  • KXKM
History
First air date
August 2, 1986 (1986-08-02)
Technical information[1]
Licensing authority
FCC
65232
ClassA (clear channel)
Power9,700 watts
Transmitter coordinates
61°06′38.1″N 146°15′46.3″W / 61.110583°N 146.262861°W / 61.110583; -146.262861
Repeaters
Links
Public license information
WebcastListen live
Websitekchu.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.[2][3]

Overview

[edit]

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.[2]

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.[4] 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.[2][3]

Original KCHU, 1975-77

[edit]

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.[5][6]

KCHU Television

[edit]

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.[7]

Stations

[edit]

In addition to its main frequency, KCHU broadcasts on the following repeater and translator stations:

Full-power repeater stations

[edit]
Call signFrequencyCity of licenseFIDERP (W)HAATClassFCC info
KXGA 90.5 FM FMGlennallen, Alaska652353,200229 m (751 ft)C3LMS
KXKM 89.7 FM FMMcCarthy, Alaska65236180 watts horizontal−378 m (−1,240 ft)ALMS

Translator stations

[edit]
Call signFrequencyCity of licenseFIDERP (W)ClassFCC info
K201BI 88.1 FMCordova, Alaska6523323 horizontalDLMS
K201CH 88.1 FMChenega Bay, Alaska6523421 verticalDLMS
K201CL 88.1 FMTatitlek, Alaska6523723 verticalDLMS
K202BT 88.3 FMWhittier, Alaska6523150 verticalDLMS

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ "Facility Technical Data for KCHU". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. 1 2 3 "Station Profile". KCHU website. Retrieved March 2, 2009.
  3. 1 2 "Radio Analysis for Alaska". Public Telecommunications Funding Program. Archived from the original on May 8, 2009. Retrieved March 2, 2009.
  4. ↑ "An Overview of KCHU Public Radio" KCHU website
  5. ↑ Lorenzo, Milam (1986). The Radio Papers: From KRAB to KCHU (PDF). San Diego, California: MHO & MHO Works. pp. 105–116. ISBN 9780917320187. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
  6. ↑ 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.
  7. ↑ Richards, K.M. "The History of UHF Television: KCHU/18, San Bernardino CA". Retrieved May 5, 2019.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=KCHU&oldid=1357300105"