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KOTZ Radio warns Assembly it lost federal funding; members propose emergency action and lobbying
Summary
KOTZ Radio told the Northwest Arctic Borough Assembly it lost federal funding that supports rural stations; Assembly members suggested an emergency meeting, a statewide lobbying push and a trip to Washington, D.C., but no Borough funding vote was recorded.
KOTZ Radio representatives told the Northwest Arctic Borough Assembly on July 22 that the station has lost federal funding, a change that the station said is affecting outlets across Alaska.
"We lost federal funding along with the rest of the State," Will Wiese of KOTZ told the Assembly during the communications portion of the meeting. Desiree Hagen of KOTZ joined Wiese in describing the loss and appealed for local support.
The message prompted immediate discussion among members. Craig McConnell thanked the station for informing the Assembly and said, "somehow KOTZ will survive," while other members pressed for more concrete steps. Clerk Stella Atoruk noted scheduling details related to communications, and members suggested several follow-up actions, including drafting a support letter that explicitly includes weather data and convening an emergency meeting with NWALT (Northwest Alaska Leadership Team).
Vice President Elmer Armstrong Jr. recommended a coordinated lobbying trip to the State and to Washington, D.C., to press for restoration or replacement funding. Lincoln Carr encouraged volunteer coordination and urged that local stakeholders be added to advocacy efforts.
City of Kotzebue representatives provided a support letter on the station's behalf; the City attorney’s letter was shared with the Assembly but no motion to allocate Borough funds to KOTZ was introduced or voted on at the July 22 meeting.
Why it matters: In rural Alaska broadcast stations provide critical local weather, safety and community information. Assembly members described KOTZ as "vital for rural Alaska," and several called for immediate advocacy to prevent a loss of local news and public-safety alerts.
What comes next: Members called for follow-up meetings and coordinated lobbying. The record of July 22 does not show any formal Borough appropriation to replace the lost federal funding; next steps appear limited to advocacy, potential emergency meetings, and coordination with NWALT and the City of Kotzebue.
