Realizing the Potential of UATV
UATV is the statewide educational television service of the University of Alaska, distributed free via
satellite and available on most cable television systems in Alaska. The UATV service currently provides
coursework, public health information and a weekly showcase on the University of Alaska.
UATV supports every aspect of the strategic plan and can serve a critical role in outreach for the
University of Alaska, touching thousands of residents every day. While UATV currently offers a basic level
of service, the potential exists to offer a much wider variety of programming and a more viewer friendly
schedule though a broadcast partnership with KUAC.
The nationwide conversion to digital television is allowing public broadcasters to provide multiple
channels including enhanced educational services. KUAC is the only public television station directly
affiliated with the University of Alaska and is in the final stages of rebuilding its TV master control facility.
There is currently an opportunity to upgrade the KUAC broadcast facility to automate multiple
simultaneous video services at only incremental cost. Plans have already been established to relocate
the uplink of all public telecommunications signals in the state to Fairbanks in late summer 2006
(AlaskaOne, Gavel to Gavel, UATV and ARCS). Investing in UATV and co-locating the control point with
KUAC will create greater efficiencies and allow UATV to provide a more effective service.
UATV - The Ultimate Rural Campus
The University of Alaska reaches much of the state though its rural campuses but can not fully compare
to UATV’s statewide coverage. UATV potentially touches every Alaskan and serves as the ultimate rural
campus, open 24 hours each day 365 days per year.
UATV can deliver coursework to villages, provide access for rural health information and educate
Alaskans with cooperative extension services. Cultural events and guest speakers on UATV can reach all
citizens, not simply those in urban areas. Even athletic events and commencement can be seen
statewide. Until broadband access reaches all Alaskans, UATV remains the best choice for distributing
high quality video to the largest statewide audience.
UATV - Broader Impact for Research
Much of the focus at the University of Alaska is on research unique to the polar region and one key
criterion for scoring research grant applications is the broader impacts of the proposed activity. There is
no better or more effective way to deliver a broader impact than through television. KUAC’s professional
staff is experienced at translating complex issues into award winning programs that create an informed
citizenry. Programs focusing on research at the University of Alaska can be distributed worldwide on
ResearchChannel and streamed live or on demand. The University of Washington provides a similar
service (UWTV) distributed nationwide on Dish Network.
The University of Alaska in Every Home
UATV can be a cost-effective way to promote education and outreach. Through its statewide distribution
system delivered on satellite and cable, UATV extends the University of Alaska to all Alaskans with
endless programming possibilities. Some examples are included on the next page.
Greg Petrowich 03/24/06
Programming Ideas
These program ideas could eventually be produced locally with costs built into project grants and
outreach budgets. Some of these programs could be produced once and then remain in a video library for
rebroadcast until updating becomes necessary. These subjects can also be addressed initially through
national content available to KUAC in association with educational television entities such as Annenberg,
PBS, and the National Educational Television Association.
1. University informational for students and parents
a. How to Enroll
b. Financial Aid Workshops
c.
Workforce Needs
d. Campus Life
e. Interview Programs
i. Students, Faculty, Administration
2. Education and Outreach
a. Coursework for College Credit
b. Coursework for Continuing Education
c.
Rural/Urban Healthcare Issues
d. Cooperative Extension Issues
e. Public Safety
f.
Parenting Resources
g. K-12 Teacher Resources/Home Schooling
3. Broader Impact for Research
a. Results/Outcomes from Research Projects
b. Interviews with Scientists/Researchers
4. Community Engagement
a. Athletic Events
i. College and High School
b. Public Lectures/Guest Speakers
c.
Arts and Culture
i. Symphony Concerts, Theatre Productions, Artist Exhibits
d. Commencement
Greg Petrowich 03/24/06