Warming the Arctic Air: Cultural Politics and Alaska Native Radio

AbstractThis article charts and analyses the place of community radio among rural-based Native Alaskans. The introduction of community radio received major financial support during the War on Poverty in the 1960s, but since has had to struggle and compromise on principles of control for existence. One of the outcomes of this struggle was increasing cultural self-awareness and willingness to engage in collective actions by Alaska Natives. The analysis of this development leans on Carey’s notion of a ritual view of communication, and the authors contend, in conclusion, that the cultural integrity of Native peoples in Alaska requires restoration of local control over community radio.