Share Your Anchorage Radio and Television Memories

This look back at Anchorage Radio and Television follows the city from its first radio broadcasts and one-station TV days into the shows, stations, and unforgettable local names that shaped life through the 1970s.

Now tell us about your favorite personalities, shows, and stations.

When Anchorage, Alaska
Was a One-TV-Station Town

by David Swires

I remember when TV started in anchorage.

I was 6 years old. My dad built the first Carrs food center on Gamble Street, and my mom won the grand opening prize of a TV set.

I was so absorbed by the TV that I would turn it on and watch the test pattern while waiting for a show.

Channel 11 was the only station for a while, but it got better.

Did You Know?

The first radio station in Anchorage and all of Alaska was KFQD, signing on May 17th in 1924. KENI radio first came on the air on May 2nd, 1948.

Augie Hiebert started KTVA channel 11, the first television station in Anchorage. KTVA came on the air on December 11, 1953, and broadcast from 2:00pm to 11:30pm from the first floor of the McKinley building (now the McKinley Tower Apartments at 337 E. 4th Avenue in downtown Anchorage).

In 1955, Anchorage's second television station, KFIA, began broadcasting. KFIA later became KENI-TV, now KTUU.

Anchorage Radio and
Television Memories

You listened to the radio and watched local television stations.

You have fond memories of your favorite shows.

And your favorite radio and TV personalities.

Do you remember listening to “Mukluk Telegraph” on KENI radio?

Do you remember “The Coke Show” with Ron Moore, Ruben Gains on KHAR and Herb Shaindlin hosting horror movies on KHAR-TV, (now KYUR) and doing commentaries and “Desperate and Dateless”?

Or how about “KoKo the KENI Clown” and “Kartoon Karnival”, or “HiJinks” with Frank Feeman on KENI-TV, or “The Buckaroos” or “Romper Room” on KTVA?

And of course, “Mother Moose” with Larry and Carol Beck, first on KTVA, then KENI-TV.

Anchorage
Women's Shows

Remember Theda Comstock's “The Woman's Touch” on KENI-TV or “Hostess House,” later “The Norma Goodman Show,” on KTVA?

And before Theda and Norma was "Loreme's Scrapbook," with Lorene Harrison of the Hat Box.

Lorene's Scrapbook was seen on KFIA-TV (later KENI-TV, now KTUU).

Anchorage Shows
for Teens

There was even a live, local teen dance program on KTVA channel 11 called, “The Varsity Show”. A local favorite.

Did you know that local high school teens also worked on The Varsity Show? Many went on to have careers in local and national broadcasting.

And do you remember the Coke Show with DJ, Ron Moore?

Anchorage
Radio and Television

How it Started

It all began with one, then two television stations.

KHAR-TV (now KYUR) came along later as an independent channel, followed by KAKM, the Public Broadcasting station.

But even with only two TV stations, it seemed like there was more to watch back then. Even in today's world with hundreds of channels.

There were local news personalities, talk show hosts, late night TV hosts, and fun kids shows.

And Anchorage audiences loved them all.

Watching
the Fur Rendezvous
on TV

Do you remember KENI-TV channel 2 covering the Fur Rondy sled dog races in black and white, with mushers like George Attla, Doctor Roland Lombard, and Herbie Topkok? We also loved the Fur Rondy parade TV coverage.

Those were the days.

Mike went on to win an Emmy for his camera work.

Mike of Anchorage Memories behind the camera at KTVA in the McKinley building studios (after the 64 earthquake)

A Note From Mike:

“As I wrote this Anchorage Radio and Television Stories page, I experienced a flood of great memories.

You see, I began working in Anchorage television when I was just 18 years old. While I was in High School, I decided on a career in television and motion picture production. So, I auditioned to work on “The Varsity Show” teen dance program on KTVA channel 11.

For that reason, I was able to be a part of the Anchorage television and radio scene.

I got to know people like Augie Hiebert, the broadcast pioneer who built Alaska's first TV station, KTVA.

I also knew Al Bramstedt senior and Junior of KENI-TV, Herb Shaindlin, Dick Rand (KoKo the KENI Clown), Norma Goodman, Theda Comstock, Ron Moore, Marcus in the Morning, Jerry Rose (Peter Bie), Chuck Talsky and so many others.

Best of all, I met my future wife Mary in the studios of KTVA where she was a staff dancer on “The Varsity Show” while I was hosting the program.

And so, as I wrote this page, it came from my heart. And I hope these stories will bring back a flood of memories for you as well.”

Now take a look at the following.