The KHNS board updated members last month on changes during the past year and expectations for the upcoming year.

Sixty-one members attended the public radio station’s annual meeting in Haines and Skagway.

In July, KHNS shifted programming and reduced staff to adjust to a total loss of state funding.

Program director Marley Horner detailed the program changes, including a return to the show “The World” during the midday slot. Staff changes this summer included the lay-off of the morning host and another part-time staffer.

Despite cuts, board president Russ Lyman is optimistic about next year’s budget.

“We should make our minimum required to get our federal grant,” said Lyman referring to the funds needed to attain the federal funding that accounts for about one-quarter of the annual KHNS budget.

Sources of funding include annual fundraisers as well as grants from the Haines Borough, the Skagway Borough, and Alaska Public Media, said Lyman.

Lizi Wirak stepped down from the board and was replaced by Suzanne Vuillet-Smith. Re-elected board members include Russ Lyman and Margaret Sebens of Haines, and Deb Potter of Skagway. Other board members include Dustin Craney, Dustin Stone, Rebekah Hylton, Judy Erekson and Jeff Bochart.

Janine Allen is filling in for Kay Clements during her six-month sabbatical.

In the upcoming year, KHNS staff anticipate new equipment including receivers with terrestrial-internet backup which act as a substitute in the event of a satellite interruption caused by weather or solar interference, said Horner. The new equipment will also enable live programming to be played back at different times. Use is scheduled to begin this winter, said Horner.

“We’re feeling like we’re in a good place,” said Horner. “Our next step is to bring back our morning host.”

KHNS hopes to bring back the host of Lynn Canal Morning in the coming year. It will launch a fundraiser in December to help with that effort.

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