Interesting note about Caprial & John's first shows...
I had some media work this summer and met the guy who produced their first shows. Caprial & John's first shows were completely self-funded.
You know how their set is missing the glam of a typical Food Network show? Well, the first year Caprial & John's show cost them $75,000 per episode. A typical Food Network show costs $250,000 per episode to produce.
I'm so glad the C& J's show has been so popular and I'm sure the move over to PBS had something to do with funding, nationwide audience, etc.
If you're rallying to get the show back on the air in Alaska, I'd call AND write the local studio (the folks who answer the phone are typically NOT the same people who track the mail). Programming decissions are typically made at the local level and since they're also viewer funded...a little mention that you'd be happy to donate for that kind of programming...definitely would get their attention!