KCAW first began daily broadcasts on 6 March 1982 after a sign-on broadcast on 19 February.[1] During the Sitka pulp mill years, Raven Radio News broadcast opposing perspectives to those of Alaska's national representatives on the issue of resource development. The Anchorage Times, after at first defending resources developers, eventually investigated the issue and found that Raven Radio was presenting an overall unbiased account of Sitka's issues.[2]
KCAW also syndicates Encounters, a nature and wildlife-themed show hosted by Richard Nelson, statewide.
Listening area
KCAW has a large listening area, by the means of translators, which include much of the western and northern portions of the Alaska Panhandle including Sitka, Angoon, Elfin Cove and the Fairweather fishing grounds, Kake, Pelican, Port Alexander, Tenakee Springs, and Yakutat. Raven Radio has roughly a 1,200-strong member base (listeners who donate money to the station).