AIRRAQ Network powers KYUK’s fall fundraiser with $50K donation
BETHEL, Alaska — A major contribution from the AIRRAQ Network is helping KYUK, Bethel’s public radio station, get its fall fundraiser off to a strong start. The $50,000 donation from the AIRRAQ Network, which is a partnership between Bethel Native Corporation (BNC) and GCI, is already energizing the campaign and empowering KYUK to aim higher than ever before. KYUK’s fall fundraiser runs through October 10.
KYUK has been a trusted source of news, culture and connection in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta for more than 50 years. From daily Yup’ik language programming to local journalism, emergency alerts and high school sports coverage, KYUK serves more than 22,000 residents in Bethel and surrounding communities.
“This donation is about investing in the heart of our community,” said Ana Hoffman, President & CEO of Bethel Native Corporation. “KYUK has been a steady voice in our homes and a vital link across the Y-K Delta, sharing news, culture and language that that are a reflection of the people who call this region home. Supporting KYUK means supporting the strength and identity of our region, and we’re proud to stand behind that.”
The donation comes at a pivotal time for KYUK, which relies on community support to maintain its diverse programming.
“This incredibly generous gift from the AIRRAQ Network is a powerful show of support for what we do at KYUK every day,” said Kristin Hall, KYUK General Manager. “It’s a huge boost for our fundraiser and a meaningful reminder of how much our work resonates with the community. Knowing that our listeners and partners value KYUK this deeply inspires us to keep showing up, every day, with purpose and pride.”
The donation also reflects a shared mission between KYUK and the AIRRAQ Network: keeping Alaskans connected, informed and empowered. As the AIRRAQ Network builds out high-speed broadband infrastructure across Western Alaska, its investment in KYUK highlights the importance of both digital and cultural connectivity.
“KYUK and the AIRRAQ Network are both working to strengthen our communities together,” said Jenifer Nelson, GCI Rural Affairs Senior Director. “We’re proud to support KYUK’s mission and help ensure that residents across the Y-K Delta continue to have access to the voices and stories that matter most. This partnership is a great example of how connectivity can take many forms, and all of them are essential.”
Earlier this year, Bethel became the first community in the Y-K Delta to gain access to 2.5 gig high-speed home internet and 5G mobile service through the AIRRAQ Network’s fiber infrastructure. Crews are currently extending the fiber network into the neighboring communities of Platinum Eek, Napaskiak and Oscarville, with plans to turn up 2.5 gig residential internet and 5G service later this year.
The 840-mile AIRRAQ Network fiber project will deliver affordable 2.5 gig residential internet speeds and unlimited data plans to more than 11,800 people in Western Alaska. The project will connect 13 communities, including: Bethel, Platinum, Eek, Napaskiak, Oscarville, Atmautluak, Kasigluk, Nunapitchuk, Quinhagak, Tuntutuliak, Tununak, Toksook Bay and Emmonak.
Learn more about the AIRRAQ Network fiber project at: https://www.gci.com/bethel-airraq-network.
About Bethel Native Corporation
BNC is respected as a business leader with offices in Bethel, Anchorage and the Lower 48. Bethel’s companies engage in many diverse lines of business including government contracting, construction, logistical support, environmental remediation and commercial real estate. Learn more about BNC at https://bethelnativecorp.org.
About GCI
Headquartered in Alaska, GCI provides data, mobile, voice and managed services to consumer, business, government, and carrier customers throughout Alaska, serving more than 200 communities. The company has invested $4.7 billion in its Alaska network and facilities over the past 45 years. Through a combination of ambitious network initiatives, GCI continues to expand and strengthen its statewide network infrastructure to deliver the best possible connectivity to its customers and close the digital divide in Alaska. Learn more about GCI at www.gci.com. GCI is an independent publicly traded company (Nasdaq: GLIBA, GLIBK, GLIBB) Learn more at https://www.gciliberty.com/.