By Natalie Helms
KHNS announced an update to its production studio and more efficient programming to combat budget cuts at its annual meeting on Sept. 29 at the Haines Brewing Company.
General Manager Kay Clements said the improvements are to help the station deal with its state money being cut from $133,000 to $75,000 two years ago. Because of this budget cut, Clements said KHNS is trying to “economize” with the staff and volunteers that it has.
Program director Janine Allen said she has already automated 10 shows that the station previously had to manually load in each day to make programming more efficient.
The upgraded production studio, which will be named “Menaker Production Studio” to commemorate long-time Haines resident and KHNS supporter Ray Menaker, will be available for staff and volunteers to pre-record shows. New equipment and upgrades will be funded by a $15,000 grant from the Rasmuson Foundation.
Allen also handed out surveys for feedback about specific programs like NPR’s “Weekend Edition,” “Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me,” “Here and Now,” and Haines Glacier Bear basketball coverage as well as asking how KHNS could better serve the community in general.
KHNS welcomed two new board members, DJs Russ Lyman and Margaret Sebens, to join incumbents Jeff Bochart and Deb Potter, who were reelected to their seats. Other board members include Judy Erekson, Heather Lende and Eric Kocher of Haines, and Dustin Stone and Tekla Helgason of Skagway. Lyman and Sebens, who ran unopposed for two open seats, will take over for retiring board members Diane Sly and Maria Pointer.
Clements said about 40 to 50 people attended the meeting, and she was appreciative that KHNS was allowed to use the space at the brewery. There was also a 50/50 raffle, and Tyler Marie Loustalot of Skagway took home the pot at $700.
Clements congratulated the news team on a job well done. “We’re trying to do more local coverage as a much as we can,” Clements said.
She introduced new reporter Abbey Collins and new development director Margaret Friedenauer, who took the place of Sara Chapell.
Chapell said she was really impressed with KHNS’ focus on local programming, and she said she loved the strong community support while working for the station.
“I feel like we have our priorities straight,” Chapell said.