Tom Abbott worked at the community radio station in Petersburg, Alaska for 35 years, serving 27 of those as general manager.
His last day was Tuesday, Sept. 2.
Abbott started at the station as a volunteer in 1989, and was hired as an employee in 1990. He says he’s served in all of the various roles over the years — from on-air hosting to fixing transmitters on mountaintops.
Reflecting on his tenure during his last day, he told KFSK’s Olivia Rose that he didn’t know he’d stay when he first came to Petersburg. Abbott studied journalism at college in Minnesota before coming to Alaska. Initially, he commercially fished on a troller for two seasons, then worked at the Petersburg Pilot newspaper for a time while volunteering at KFSK hosting evening music shows. He said making the switch from working in print media to public broadcasting was different, but he loved it.
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Over the course of his tenure in public broadcasting, Abbott says there’s a lot to be proud of. He says he’s leaving the role confident and hopeful for the community radio station’s future.
Abbott will be inducted in the Alaska Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame this November. Congratulations on your retirement, Tom!
