AK (radio program)
AK was a weekly radio program broadcast on the Alaska Public Radio network. Past episodes of AK are available to listeners around the world through a podcast archive.
AK focused on Alaskan issues. The program encouraged participation from all of its listeners.
History
The pilot of “AK” was called “Weekend Alaska” and was produced in January and February 2002. It aired on many public radio stations in March. Then began the process of getting funding: a grant application to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). The grant was awarded and in the summer of 2003, the production team was assembled: host Shelly Wozniak. Reporter Ellen Lockyer, producer Jessica Cochran, editor/executive producer Duncan Moon, and audio engineer John Nelson. “AK” began airing weekly in October 2003.
In April 2004, Gabriel Spitzer took over hosting and Shelly Wozniak moved to audio engineer. In August 2004, Ashley Gross came on as interim producer for several months, then continued on as a part-time reporter for the show. In May 2006, Rebecca Sheir took over as host when Gabriel Spitzer left for Chicago Public Radio.
In August 2006, the staff was notified that the show was canceled, and most staff were laid off. But after a public outcry, CPB stepped in with an addition grant, and after a 4-week hiatus (during which old shows were re-aired) production resumed, with the same staff.
In December 2006, Ashley Gross left for Chicago also, and Bonnie Sue Hitchcock joined the team as Fairbanks reporter. In June 2007, Bonnie Sue left for a fellowship in environmental reporting in Boulder, CO, and Scott Burton came on as a reporter based in Juneau.
The show was again cancelled due to continuing funding problems and aired its last episode on December 20, 2008.
Awards
“AK” has been recognized since its inception for its high production quality and story telling. It won a second place award from the Public Radio News Directors Incorporated for a show produced only 6 weeks after its debut . Then in 2004, it won first place – Best News and Public Affairs show in the country, Division A - for the “Alaska Myths and Misconceptions” show , in 2005 for the Communication Show and in 2006 for the “Five Senses” show. AK received a 2007 Clarion Award for the best radio regular feature program.