New Faces Join Koahnic Broadcast Corporation

Anchorage-based media nonprofit Koahnic Broadcast Corporation added some new hires to its news, production, and administrative teams.

Award-winning presenter Shawn Spruce is the new permanent host of Native America Calling, a nationally syndicated radio program. Spruce, of the Laguna Pueblo, was a frequent guest on the show and made an impression as someone who could connect with audiences. Coming from a financial education and economic development background, Spruce was awarded the 2021 Ketchum Prize for outstanding contributions to financial education and inclusion for Native Americans.

Sol Traverso joins Native America Calling as associate producer. Originally from Alaska, Traverso is a University of New Mexico journalism graduate with three years of experience that includes reporting for the university’s Daily Lobo and New Mexico News Port and the weekly Taos News.

Andi Murphy is promoted to senior producer on Native America Calling after working on the show for eight years. The frequent fill-in host specializes in Indigenous multimedia storytelling, production, and research. Her “Toasted Sister Podcast” covers Indigenous cooking and food sovereignty. Murphy is a two-time winner of the National Native Media Award for general excellence in podcasting and radio.

Koahnic’s Anchorage-based radio station KNBA also welcomed two new junior-level positions: Hanna Bissett as news intern and Kayla Rearden as administrative assistant.