CoastAlaska was started in 1994, and incorporated in 1997 as a service organization for public radio stations in Alaska. CoastAlaska currently serves public media organizations in the communities of Juneau, Sitka, Petersburg, Wrangell, Ketchikan and the Aleutians. Started as an informal alliance, CoastAlaska is a fully independent non-profit.
Today, CoastAlaska provides leadership, representation, planning and support for the seven member stations, including a variety of services:
- CoastAlaska provides all of the financial systems necessary to operate the stations, including payroll, personnel administration, bank accounts, investment accounts, benefits, bookkeeping and grant administration.
- CoastAlaska provides extensive fundraising support, including underwriting and membership services.
- CoastAlaska provides engineering services to maintain studios, transmitters and translators throughout the region.
- CoastAlaska provides regional news reporting, editorial support, coordination and training for news personnel at member stations.