Valerie Kern

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Originally from the Central Coast of California, Valerie joined Alaska Public Media in July 2017. She creates original video content for the station's TV and digital platforms while also overseeing the Production Department. Before moving to Alaska, Valerie worked as an ENG Editor at WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina. She also served in the U.S. Air Force as a TV and Radio Broadcast Journalist where she traveled around Europe, Africa, The Baltics, Australia, and the Southern United States reporting on military events, exercises, and missions. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, backcountry skiing, backpacking, yoga, and traveling.
A man stands in front of a pile of wood holding a chainsaw.

How an accident turned this skier into a force for good | INDIE ALASKA

As a lifelong skier, Ira Edwards had early access to some of the most world-class ski terrain in the world in his backyard in Palmer, Alaska. After a devastating fluke accident in 2010, Ira was eventually able to return to skiing but found his life purpose shifting to philanthropy and fundraising for others.
Three people sit at a desk talking together.

New developments in Anchorage’s homeless services | Alaska Insight

In late February, Catholic Social Services in Anchorage will open its new 3rd Avenue Navigation Center.
Two men and a woman sit at a desk on a television set.

Unstable January Snowpack Causes Avalanches in Southcentral Alaska | Alaska Insight

In this episode of Alaska Insight, Lori Townsend talks with avalanche experts Elliot Gaddy, a local guide and avalanche instructor, and John Sykes, a forecaster with the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center.
Three people sit at a desk while a screen displays a logo that says "Alaska Insight"

Expanding renewable energy in rural Alaska | Alaska Insight

Alaskans seeking relief from high energy prices and unreliable supplies are finding success in transitioning to renewable energy. What projects are in the works, and where do opportunities exist for further development?
An older woman shows off the words "Boss" and "Soul" on her knuckles. In the background a person bungee jumps.

Bucket List Bungee Jumping in Rural Alaska | INDIE ALASKA

Meet Angelique Echols. After a tragic loss, she's now living in remote Chitina, Alaska knocking items off her bucket list.
3 people sit around a desk, another joins them on a TV over Zoom.

Learn about Alaska’s candidates running for governor, U.S. House and U.S. Senate before Election Day 2022

Lori Townsend and reporters discuss candidates running Governor, U.S. House and U.S. Senate.
A bartender faces the camera next to a photo of a small town bar

At the last saloon in a national park, order a drink from Daddy Long Legz | INDIE ALASKA

Michael George is a black, queer, nonbinary bartender in the tiny, historic town of McCarthy, Alaska.
A group of preschoolers sits in a circle singing Alutiiq songs.

A new generation of Alutiiq speakers fight language loss in Kodiak

Half of the people whose first language is Kodiak Alutiiq have died over the last few years. But that’s not stopping new speakers from learning Alutiiq and passing along a distinct culture and worldview to the next generations.
A woman in a beige blazer and a man with glasses and a mustache sit onstage and listen intently to someone in the far left corner of the stage.

Watch the debate on whether Alaska should hold a constitutional convention

Organized by Alaska Public Media & UAA’s Seawolf Debate Program, proponents and opponents of the constitutional convention question make their case.
A television host interviews guests.

Should Alaska hold a Constitutional Convention? Both sides of the question make their case | Alaska Insight

Advocates both for and against a constitutional convention discuss why they think Alaskans should or should not support the ballot question.
A television host, two female guests and one zoom guest sit at a desk in a tv studio.

What’s behind the crash in Yukon salmon? Fishery experts discuss factors behind the closures

For thousands of years, Alaska Native people have depended on strong salmon runs to sustain their diets and their culture, but that reliable source of protein is in jeopardy.
A man drives a small boat

The important role of water taxis in Alaska | INDIE ALASKA

When a massive, unexpected landslide blocked the only road to Lowell Point, Tom Miller knew his water taxi service was the only way to move residents, school children, and tourists back and forth to the nearby town of Seward.
A woman performs a break dancing move

Will this Alaskan be the first U.S. Olympic breakdancer in 2024? | INDIE ALASKA

Bri “Snap1” Pritchard is a b-girl from Anchorage who has competed and won breaking competitions across the country. She may be one of the first Olympic breakdancers.
A woman runs in a winter landscape

How Running Ultramarathons Saved Carol Seppilu’s Life | INDIE ALASKA

Carol Seppilu describes jogging with a tracheotomy as “trying to breathe through a straw while running.” She's even dealt with her trach freezing shut while running in the frigid winter temperatures in Nome, Alaska where she lives.

As Alaskans age, what options are there for staying in the state? | Alaska Insight

Lori Townsend speaks to David Washburn from the Older Persons Action Group and Jessica Parks from RurAL CAP to learn what's being done to address the increasing demand for elder care across Alaska.

Advocates for mental health say talking is the first step to healing | Alaska Insight

Understanding and discussing the complexities of mental health and wellbeing isn’t easy. Finding ways to open up about who we are and what we struggle with is critical to getting help.
Television host interviews guests over Zoom.

Tracking permafrost thaw will help Alaska communities better adapt to climate change | Alaska Insight

A new program called Permafrost Pathways has a dual aim of measuring greenhouse gas emissions and supporting community adaptation ideas.
Television host talks to guests.

Alaska law enforcement and health professionals take on fentanyl | Alaska Insight

Lori Townsend speaks to U.S. Attorney John Kuhn and Epidemiology Specialist Jessica Filley about the dangers of fentanyl and the work being done to help Alaskans find treatment for addiction.
A man in winter clothes pulls a crab pot from the Bering Sea.

Crabbing beneath the Bering Sea Ice in Nome, Alaska | INDIE ALASKA

Phillip Pryzmont fishes for crab beneath the Bering Sea near Nome, Alaska.
Host, Lori Townsend, talks to election officials.

Alaskans prepare for state’s first ranked choice election cycle | Alaska Insight

Lori Townsend talks to election officials to discuss the new Ranked Choice voting system.