A History of Valdez Christian Radio
A History of Valdez Christian Radio
In October of 1987, Dave Becker, of Alaska Village Missions, met with Pastor Glenn Willis of the First Baptist Church and several others interested in bringing MBN to Valdez. The search began for an appropriate transmitter site. The Baptist Church itself was a possible construction site for the station. The Alaska Village Missions in Homer, Alaska, would be the sponsoring institution for the station and would be the holder of the station's operating license. It was at this meeting that a projected start-up date was set for July or August of 1988, a date that would be three years premature.
Mike Snively, a local Coast Guardsman, came aboard the project and began corresponding with Moody Broadcasting to line up a program package for the new facility. A 24 hour satellite feed to an FM translator was agreed upon.
Rev. Norman Barram of Bayside Community Church, who is a graduate of the Moody Bible Institute, took leadership of the team. Ed Hanks, a technician with the State of Alaska, took an interest in bringing Christian broadcasting to Valdez and would prove to be a significant factor in the final connecting and wiring of the station's many components.
Others to lend a hand during planning stages were: Dean Moore, Steve and Teresa Richardson, Jeff, Bob, and Tom Arts, Joan Herrmann, Doyne Houghton, Jim Shephard, and Jim Manning.
On Tuesday, July 31, 1990, news had been received by Ed Hanks and Jim Shephard that the FCC had approved the construction permit for the station. Individuals and churches had already begun to donate the funds necessary to purchase the receiver, transmitter, antennas, and other necessary components.
Dean Moore finalized negotiations with Alascom to rent the necessary tower and equipment rack space. Alascom would also provide the downlink service for K220AD. A contract with Alascom was signed and equipment began showing up in Valdez.
On a cold and snowy March 12, 1991, Dave Becker, Ed Hanks, and Steve Richardson made final placement of the station's electronic components in the Alascom building. Together they set the two Yagi antennas atop Alascom's 95 foot tower. The station officially went on line at 5:13 pm. The day was not without mishap, however. Click here to see how the Lord in his infinite wisdom and care protected Steve's life in an ordeal he will never forget.
Just about immediately, the radio committee began receiving reports of lives being changed and enriched. Click here to read some of the actual testimonies received.
Steve Richardson and Dave McCahan currently represent Bayside Community Church on the station's board. Steve is the current station manager, and Dave has been keeping track of the station's finances. Others currently on the board are John Strang of the First Baptist Church and John Rose of the First Assembly of God. Brian "Smitty" Smith, of Alascom, has been a big help since the beginning of the project.
A video of the installation and final hook-up on March 12, 1991, is available for loan.
Call 907-835-4210 or e-mail the station manager for details.