13/05/2025
Did you know L. Ron Hubbard once had a show on KTKN?
In 1940, L. Ron Hubbard, Founder of Scientology and then a prolific pulp fiction writer, found himself in Ketchikan, Alaska, under circumstances that combined both ambition and necessity. Embarking on what he termed the “Alaskan Radio Experimental Expedition,” Hubbard and his wife arrived aboard their 27-foot ketch, the Magician, on August 31, 1940. While the expedition was presented as a scientific endeavor under the auspices of the Explorers Club, local reports suggested more personal motivations: to win a bet regarding the vessel’s seaworthiness and to gather material for a novel about Alaskan salmon fishing .   
Shortly after their arrival, mechanical failures left the Magician incapacitated, and financial constraints compelled Hubbard to seek employment in Ketchikan. He secured a position at the local radio station KGBU (now KTKN), where he hosted a maritime-themed program titled “Mail Buoy”. The show catered to Alaskan seafarers, offering practical advice on topics like hull maintenance and anchoring techniques. Hubbard’s engaging on-air presence quickly made the program popular among listeners . 
Beyond broadcasting, Hubbard initiated the “Golden Pen Award,” a writing contest aimed at encouraging amateur writers in Alaska. Winners received recognition and opportunities to connect with publishing contacts in New York, reflecting Hubbard’s ongoing commitment to nurturing new literary talent .  
Hubbard’s experiences in Ketchikan also inspired his fiction. His short story “Chee-Chalker,” published in 1947, features an FBI agent unraveling a he**in smuggling ring in Alaska—a narrative likely influenced by his time in the region . 
After several months, with the Magician’s engine repaired, Hubbard and his wife departed Ketchikan on December 27, 1940. Despite the brevity of his stay, Hubbard’s time in Alaska left a lasting imprint on his work and is remembered as a unique chapter in his diverse career.
The photos below show Hubbard in the KTKN studio and on board the Magician.