Board President Vicki O’Brien gave her report on the status of the station. General Manager Marty West had a similar report. There was no public comment.
Here is Vicki’s report:
I’d like to start my report with an acknowledgment that KRBD broadcasts from the traditional lands of the Saanya Kwaan and Taant’a Kwaan. I also would like to thank and acknowledge every individual who has contributed with time, money, and personally meaningful resources to community radio in Alaska and especially, of course, to KRBD. Your steadfast support is truly what makes this station the unique, valuable community asset that it is.
Saying this year has been challenging is an understatement. Through an 80% staffing turnover and the constant task of maintaining fiscal solvency, the board has done an exemplary job of rising to the challenges, presenting a united front, and working tirelessly to provide the station with the foundation it needs to forge ahead. Difficult decisions have been made this year but they’ve been made with the best interests for the future health of KRBD in mind. I want to assure our listeners that the Board is committed to keeping KRBD going strong now and for years to come. We want to ensure KRBD remains available to be an outlet for ALL voices of our listening audience, that we are being mindfully representative of all segments of our communities.
I also want to thank my fellow board members for their dedication to KRBD this year and for their thoughtful diligence. This year, we are saying goodbye to Mike Gates, who we are happy to welcome as a staff member to the station and also wishing farewell to Zoe Sobel and Bill Carey, both of whom have had to step down due to changes in their life circumstances. All three of you: a VERY heartfelt thank you for all you have done and brought to KRBD. You will all be missed!
We are thrilled to welcome longtime KRBD volunteer Tim Royer to the board! Tim has filled the tail end of Mike’s seat for the remainder of this year and you will undoubtedly see him around town selling raffle tickets as well as continue to hear him on the air. Tim, we are so glad you have joined us!
The KRBD Board of Directors for 2024 includes Leah Canfield, Jai Mahtani, Joey Tillson, Peter Amylon, Jason House, Tim Royer, and Prince of Wales representatives Richard Trojan and Tonie Ogimachi, and myself. We do still have two available seats, so if serving on the board is something that interests you, call the station to learn more.
Though this year has presented challenges, KRBD continues to keep a steady focus on our mission statement: “to inform, engage, enlighten and delight; to make a positive difference in the lives of the people in Southern Southeast Alaska.” We will keep these words front of mind as we prepare to launch into 2024, and we look forward to all the new year has in store.
