At the end of 2024, Alaska Public Media is taking time to reflect on the year’s most significant stories, showcasing the invaluable work done by its dedicated journalists and their collaborative efforts across the state.
Reflecting on the year, news editor Tegan Hanlon emphasized, "We want you to hear the perspectives of Alaskans from all over." This sentiment captured the essence of why Alaska Public Media prioritizes journalism from various communities .
Among the ten stories highlighted, one includes Kavitha George and Valerie Kern's trip to northern Alaska to witness the Aaluk Crew, where 17-year-old Donald Adams landed his first catch. This story not only captures the fishing tradition but emphasizes the initiation of youth within the community. This interaction with the lively culture of fishing remains vivid among the stories readers engaged with.
Another featured story reported by Casey Grove and ADN's Kyle Hopkins showcased important coverage around social issues affecting local communities. Their work serves as a reminder of the role news plays amid significant events impacting residents throughout Alaska.
Wesley Early and Jeremy Hsieh drove across the municipality to interview voters, bringing valuable insights as the local elections approached. Their coverage highlights the participatory nature of Alaskan civic engagement, encouraging others to take part on election day.
Meanwhile, Alaska Public Media's intern Anisa Vietze collected testimonies from climbers and how their community rallied together to maintain safety and infrastructure for outdoor activities. Her work signifies the effectiveness of empowering young journalists to explore and narrate local stories.
Eric Stone reported on the aftermath of a recent fatal landslide, capturing the sentiments of Southeast residents who grappled with the risk and uncertainty following the event. His coverage brought awareness to the pressing safety concerns faced by inhabitants.
Following this, there was much excitement shared as Ava White and Wesley Early covered the climactic event of the season, gathering narratives from residents and visitors alike about the experience—the emotionally charged responses to seasonal changes resonate deeply with the community’s spirit.
Another significant story involved the seafood industry crisis affecting residents of King Cove, reported by Eric Stone. He narrated the hurdles posed to this remote community and the economic challenges faced by the local seafood sector.
Not only did Liz Ruskin travel to Kotzebue to profile Robyn Niayuq Burke, but she also brought the unique flavors of local life to the forefront, depicting the cultural richness of the area through Burke’s story. This profile underlines the commitment Alaska Public Media has to feature diverse voices across regions.
All these stories tell the tale of Alaska’s multifaceted narrative, emphasizing the organization's ethos of comprehensive representation save for unique locales to showcase its varied landscapes and cultures.
Tegan Hanlon reiterated the significance of partnerships by stating, "The best journalism can be done when we work together," reinforcing the collaborative spirit among the various reporting teams, local historians, community members, and organizations.
Alaska Public Media has also invested extensively in young journalists, offering two paid news internships each year. Hanlon stated, "We invest in young journalists. We provide training and mentorship," highlighting how internships play a pivotal role as these individuals become integral to the publication. Young journalists learned firsthand from seasoned reporters, facilitating growth and engagement within the newsroom.
Hanlon expressed gratitude to the audience for their continued support, noting, "Thank you for valuing our journalism." The support from community members has been fundamental to the publication's mission to deliver relevant, impactful news across Alaska.
This end-of-year reflection not only encapsulates the standout stories from the past year but also commands respect for the rich experiences of Alaskans. Looking forward, the hope is to build on this momentum, engage readers collectively, and continue telling meaningful stories across the state.