Alaska is truly beautiful, but it's also a bit strange
This image, captured just south of Denali (formerly known as McKinley), illustrates the unique challenges of truly seeing Alaska, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. Throughout my two years as a TV journalist in this remarkable state, I endeavored to grasp its nuances. However, fully comprehending the intricate layers of life here requires much more than a visit. The vast landscapes and diverse cultures present a rich tapestry that demands patience and curiosity, revealing stories hidden beneath the surface, especially in the media world. Each encounter, from the larger cities to the serene wilderness, adds depth to the narrative of life in Alaska, making it a journey unlike any other, sort of like life on another planet. As I navigated the complexities of reporting, I discovered humor often served as my best ally, helping to bridge the gaps between the serious issues we covered and the absurdities we encountered daily. The shared laughter with my colleagues became a vital part of our resilience, reminding us that even in challenging times, joy can be found in the most unexpected moments. My book is filled with both drama and comedy.
Lots of folks go to Alaska to get away from the rest of us
Residents of Alaska understand the Greta Garbo line 'I want to be left alone.' Some love the place because they choose to live off the grid. Native Alaskans still live in traditional communities off the road system, trying to preserve tribal languages and lifestyles, Some folks end up in Alaska after escaping bad family situations or old criminal records. Some folks just want to hunt and fish and camp with a close friend or two. This unique blend of solitude and community creates a fascinating microcosm of life, where each individual’s story intertwines with the rugged landscape, offering a sense of belonging amidst the isolation. I call it 'alone-ness.' The challenges faced here bring out a special resilience in people, showcasing the unique spirit that thrives in this extraordinary environment.
Alaska Natives do not love the concept of "The Last Frontier"
"The Last Frontier" The phrase is written on the state's licnese plates. People in the lower 48 think of Alaska in those terms. But members of Alaska's native community often object to the moniker because when the first white explorers and trappers came to the region, it had been settled for thousands of years. Alaska was no frontier for the indiginous people already there.
Perhaps Alaska wasn't ready for a network-style news producer
Here’s a glimpse of my experience producing for CNN during the 1988 Presidential election. George W. Bush is prominently featured in the group. My name is David Bernknopf. When I accepted my position in Alaska in 2023, it had been years since I had worked in local media. Producing talk radio for WIND in Chicago decades before was the last time.
I must say, covering national politics for a network tends to imbue one with a certain level of aggressivess that isn’t typical among Alaska's news professionals. Just ask Sarah Palin about that. But that is a narrative for a different book. As I navigated the unique landscape of Alaskan journalism, I discovered that storytelling here often intertwines with the rugged beauty of the environment. Each day brought new adventures, from shooting outdoors in below zero temperatures connectng with the community that is sometimes slow to accept newc0mers to uncovering stories that highlighted both the resilience and the eccentricities of life in the Last Frontier. The challenges were many, but they only added to the richness of the experience.
Alaska is a long way from everywhere. And folks there like it that way.
It takes a while to get to Alaska. 3 hours by air just to Seattle. Enjoy the seclusion or find another home. But the views alone can make it worthwhile. This is one of my favorite spots...where Highway 1 meets Highway 9. There are no interestate highways in Alaska....because no other states touch. Only Canada.
Oh, you can see Russia from an island or two, but not from your backyard in Anchorage.
The biggest state and just a few journalists to cover it all
Folks in the lower 48 may be familiar with the Iditarod dog sled race. It's one of the only stories routinely covered out of state. Like a lot of smaller, largely rural states, Alaska runs short of in-depth news coverage. One TV operation, Alaska's News Source where i worked, covers much of the state. The Anchorage Daily News does an impressive job despite the financial and readership issues that trouble many dailies. And Alaska Public Media hustles in communities all across the state. But it's a huge state with many undercovered stories. And given the realities of the journalism business, the situation is likely to get worse.
Who wrote this darn book?
A life dedicated to serious journalism, but a brain accepting the silliness of it all
Has led to a uniquely imaginative storytelling approach that blends humor with relatable experiences.
What have I done?
I have been fortunate to delve deeply into the rich complexities of our world during my 40 plus years in journalism. My journey began in community radio and weekly community papers in Pittsburgh, then to Northwestern University and producing talk radio in Chicago. Right after graduation, I headed for Atlanta as one of the original employees of CNN. After more than two decades at CNN, I left to run a video production company. Back to journalism, I produced stories for a nationally syndicated news investigative program based in Washington, DC. Then, my grand adventure took me to Alaska, where I assumed the role of Executive Producer for the investigative team at Alaska's News Source in Anchorage. Each of these roles has shaped a narrative style that intertwines the serious subject matter I covered with the humor I relied on to navigate challenging times. While this book is fictional, it draws inspiration from the incredible people I've met along my path. The lively newsroom it portrays mirrors the diverse experiences of my career. There's a bit of every place I worked and everyone I worked with on these pages. My hope is to draw readers into a realm where humor and sorrow exist side by side, illustrating how laughter can serve as a vital mechanism for coping with the pressing issues of our era. Within the framework of a fictional newsroom, I hope to highlight not only the absurdities of the workplace but also the strength of the human spirit in overcoming hardship. We all encounter feelings of loneliness, and I hope this book demonstrates how we can bridge the isolation that often accompanies the experience of living in a place that feels like another planet. As I reflect on my time in these varied environments, I recognize the profound impact they’ve had on my outlook. Each story shared, every challenge faced, contributed to a deeper understanding of humanity. My intention is to create a narrative that resonates with readers, inviting them to laugh, reflect, and perhaps even find solace in life's challenges.
Inspiration for the Novel
Imagine stepping into Alaska as a newcomer; it feels like you've landed on a different world entirely. The expansive terrains, distinctive traditions, and quirky inhabitants offer an unparalleled journey. While some characters and scenarios draw inspiration from real-life experiences, they are ultimately a blend of the diverse individuals, locations, and tales I've encountered throughout my career. This piece is fiction at its core. Nevertheless, the portrayals of encampments and political struggles are predominantly truthful, though slightly modified. My aim is for readers to gain insight into the mechanics of journalism—both its successes and failures—and to understand the indispensable role of quality journalism in a thriving society, while also getting a few laughs.
Sometimes, you just have to find the humor
As someone who has always cherished humor, I realized that injecting laughter into the stressful work covering serious and often somber events greatly benefited my mental well-being. While finding the funny side can be challenging and sometimes inappropriate, it’s essential to cultivate a few coping strategies to navigate through life's complexities.
