By SUZANNE DOWNING
Just weeks after its launch on Nov. 4, The Alaska Story is closing out the year with momentum that far exceeded early expectations, drawing millions of readers, viewers, and listeners from Alaska and around the world. Yes, we do measure our results because, as the old saying goes, “That which is measured improves. That which is measured and reported improves exponentially.”
On Facebook alone, The Alaska Story has generated more than 14.1 million views since launch and recently surpassed 10,000 followers, a milestone reached in seven weeks. The platform has become a daily stop for Alaskans sharing news, commentary, and community discussion, as well as for non-Alaskans curious about life, politics, weather, energy, and culture in the 49th state.
The publication’s website traffic has also surged. In December, The Alaska Story recorded 980,000 visitors in a single day (a record for the seven weeks the website has been running), with daily traffic consistently ranging from 200,000 to 500,000 visitors over the past two months. Total website visits have now exceeded 15 million, reflecting strong demand for Alaska-focused reporting and analysis.
That interest extends well beyond Alaska’s borders. Stories about Alaska continue to resonate nationally and internationally, helped in part by the state’s enduring cultural footprint.
More reality television shows are set in Alaska than in any other state, and that fascination with Alaska’s people, landscapes, and challenges continues to translate into strong digital engagement.
The Northern Ledger podcast, launched alongside the website, is also gaining traction. Hosted by John Quick, the podcast was recently ranked No. 6 on Apple Podcasts in the “Places and Travel” category, an iTunes ranking that places the Alaska-based show among top travel and regional programs nationwide.
Quick has interviewed high-profile guests including US Sen. Dan Sullivan and Congressman Nick Begich, along with a growing list of Alaska leaders and voices. One memorable moment came during Quick’s in-person interview with Sen. Sullivan in Washington, DC, when Quick’s 11-year-old son, Stetson, was invited to ask the final question.
Stetson asked Sullivan what his favorite part of the job was, prompting a lighthearted exchange that underscored the Alaska-centric spirit of the show. Sullivan treated the young Alaskan like a celebrity, emphasizing the value he places on meeting Alaskans who make the trip to visit.
The Alaska Story newsletter on Substack has also grown rapidly, now reaching more than 33,000 subscribers in seven weeks, making it the fastest-growing Alaska-focused newsletter in the state. The newsletter has become a key way readers stay connected to daily headlines, commentary, and original reporting.
As the year comes to a close, The Alaska Story is thanking its readers, viewers, listeners, and especially those who have sent tips, feedback, and corrections. The publication is also expressing gratitude to the Alaskans who have contributed financially to help launch and sustain this new Alaska-based media hub.
The Alaska Story ends the year on a positive note, reaffirming its motto: “Where the conversation happens.” This fast-growing media hub and news platform is only getting started.
