Alaska Business Helping Alaska Business

An interesting Alaska case study is happening now in the business landscape in the Last Frontier. In this era of YouTube channels and streaming options on smart TVs, you might be surprised to learn that any broadcaster in America would see their audience grow, but that is precisely what happened to the audience of Alaskan-owned KACN-TV, better known as “MeTV Alaska”. 

 If you’re not acquainted with MeTV, its network programming originates from Chicago.  MeTV features programs that include “Andy Griffith”, “MASH”, “The Beverly Hillbillies”, “Gunsmoke”, “Bonanza”, “Perry Mason”, “Star Trek (w/Shattner) and many more “Family Friendly” shows. MeTV Alaska is a locally owned TV station that donates much of its Public Service Announcement schedule to local Alaska Causes. 

They also produce award-winning local advertisements with Alaskan-owned brands. In December of 2024, MeTV Alaska won the Goldie Award from the Alaska Broadcasters Association for their campaign with Alaska Flour Company.  

If you tune to MeTV Alaska, you find Television that has zero current political agenda. Well, at least not any of today’s pointed political drama. I’m sure they were saying something with MASH back in the day. At any rate, the shows from that era were certainly written to have a broader appeal.  One that didn’t pick a political side.  All in the Family/Archie Bunker (which MeTV Alaska airs) was the exception which was a critical & comedic look at all ends of the political/cultural zeitgeist of the moment. 

The programming on MeTV Alaska was made at a time when America had only 3 networks ABC, CBS, NBC and all viewers were the target audience. People of multiple generations would gather around the tube to experience something that would appeal to them, and most of the rest of the country! The writing and acting on MeTV Alaska programs are still excellent.  Sometimes I wonder why there aren’t still shows as funny, family friendly and engaging as those included in Me-TV Alaska’s line up. Me-TV Alaska weaves these “broad appeal” shows together in a low commercial volume tapestry that includes PSAs for local Alaskan Causes and Alaskan-owned brands that are built to last.  These dynamics combined have produced an Alaskan anomaly. 

KACN was making waves in Alaska, and then the tide changed.  In late 2024, GCI announced that it would be discontinuing cable service (known as Yukon TV) in the state of Alaska. According to a viewer survey conducted in the summer of 2024 by Me-TV Alaska, plenty of Alaskans consumed Me-TV on channel 95 via Yukon TV.  By June 31, cable services for channel 95 on Yukon TV will cease.  To connect with viewers on Yukon TV Channel 95, Me-TV Alaska sought assistance from another Alaskan-owned company, Microcom. Coincidentally, both Alaska companies, Microcom and Northstar Television (KACN/Me-TV Alaska’s parent company) launched in Alaska in 1984.  Microcom was pleased to answer the call to help Alaskans stay connected to Me-TV Alaska. Our marketing collaboration will help continue to promote Alaskan non-profits, yield Alaska Means Business entrepreneur success stories and produce fun features like Alaska Trivia. 

Microcom has agreed to install consumer antenna arrays in the Anchorage area for MeTV Alaska Viewers and all TV lovers for a fair fee. There are more than 20 over-the-air TV channels that are free with rabbit ears or an antenna and Microcom has the equipment and expertise to deliver them into your home.  In addition to Over The Air television antenna installs, Microcom is Alaska’s home for DishNet installations, too, for those who prefer a cable-like experience that want to continue watching MeTV Alaska.  This strategic partnership may actually generate more Alaskan-owned MeTV viewers and will serve as a positive Alaskan business supporting Alaska business model.  Both working to help keep Alaskans connected and making waves. 

To connect with Microcom to schedule your installation of an over-the-air antenna or DISHNET service. Visit www.Microcom.TV

Alaska Means Business.

Note: Alaska Means Business is proudly affiliated with MeTV Alaska