Dave Anderson, the general manager of KBBI AM890, has announced that he will retire on April 8. To find his successor, the station’s board of directors has formed a search committee comprising members of the community, staff, and board. 

Anderson’s service to KBBI will be celebrated at a special event in early spring, according to a KBBI press release.

Anderson has been KBBI’s general manager for 11 years. In that role, his responsibilities have also included serving as general manager for KDLL public radio in Kenai. 

He began work at KBBI as a volunteer DJ in 1981, then served in nearly every staff position including director of music, operations, development and volunteers. During his tenure as a member of the KBBI staff, he has led the way in making continuous technical upgrades to improve service, according to the release.

“Early on, he oversaw the acquisition of propane backup generators at the studio and transmitter sites to support KBBI’s emergency response efforts. For many years, he has also been a prominent figure in the state’s public media industry,” the release said.

“It’s been a good, long run, but it’s time to move on,” Anderson said. “I am looking forward to having time for activities that have taken second stage in my life for too long. I’m confident KBBI will continue as an important community service and resource with an astounding staff and board of directors guiding it into the future. I am grateful for their service to KBBI and the support they have offered me over these many years.”

Dave Eckwert, president of KBBI’s board of directors, said, “Dave Anderson has been a major force at this station for more than 30 years. He has been on the air. He has worked the technical end while finding financial support to keep the lights on, and he has honored KBBI by his leadership in Alaska public broadcasting. He’s done a masterful job, and we can never thank him enough for all he has done for KBBI, its listeners and the communities we serve. We will miss not only his formidable skills but also his kindness, patience and wonderful sense of humor.”

The station’s board of directors is responsible for finding Anderson’s replacement. 

“KBBI will continue to be an important media source for our community,” said Eckwert. “With continued looming budget cuts from Juneau and a rapidly changing media landscape, the station will require someone with strong skills and experience to lead us in the coming years. The board will work diligently to recruit and hire someone up to the endeavor.” 

For a description of the position and qualifications, as well as the application process, visit kbbi.org. 

Kachemak Bay Broadcasting, Inc., (KBBI AM890) was incorporated as a nonprofit in 1976. Transmitting from a shack on the Homer Spit, KBBI signed on the air in 1979 at AM1250. After 10 years, the station acquired a new transmitter, an emergency generator, and land and constructed a new station facility, with running water, at its current location on Kachemak Way. 

At that time, the frequency was moved from AM1250 to 890 in order to extend the station’s reach. With the acquisition of a studio generator, KBBI became a reliable source of information in emergencies, free from interruptions caused by power outages.