ALASKA – Alaska has lost one of its greatest pioneers in Alaska broadcasting. Augie Hiebert the man who first brought radio and television to Alaska passed away early this morning.

In 1953 Augie put KTVA, Alaska's first television station on the air. During his distinguished career in broadcasting Augie served Alaska in many ways. He was a founder and President of the Alaska Broadcasters' Association.

At the time U.S. Senator Ted Stevens was the organization's attorney from 1961 to 1968. During that time he says he watched each year as Augie brought local broadcasters to Washington, D.C. for 'Alaska Days' at the Federal Communication Commission (FCC).

But his efforts to education the FCC about the unique challenges facing Alaska's broadcasters didn't end there. The entire FCC once made a trip to Alaska at Augie's request. Senator Stevens also watched Augie give countless Alaskans their start in the industry.

Senator Ted Stevens recalled his last visit with Augie, “I've got to tell you, I stopped in to see him my last trip home, which was about 10-days ago and, uh, he literally, we both literally got teary over it because I, I knew he could not survive. Hard to fact that, but, Augie Hiebert was probably the leader of the whole communications effort to assure that we stayed ahead of the game, uh, and I think he succeeded,” the Senator said.

Augie's Funeral is set for September 21.

Reported by: Joy Marrs