Nebraska Public Media adds ‘dedicated’ Omaha FM station, increasing statewide reach

OMAHA — Nebraska Public Media is launching its own dedicated station in Omaha to expand its statewide reach and better utilize two recently added reporters in the state’s largest city.

NPM recently purchased KOOO, located at 101.9 on the FM dial and planned a June 15 launch for new programming that features National Public Radio news and conversation programs, as well as an “eclectic mix” of rock, blues, folk and alternative country music at night.

Stacey Decker, general manager and CEO of Nebraska Public Media, said having a dedicated station in Omaha has been a longtime goal of the network. Efforts to partner with existing stations in the city haven’t worked out, he said, and then KOOO became available, which, according to FCC filings, was purchased for $1.2 million in accumulated donations.

“Omaha is Nebraska’s largest city and a major part of the state’s story,” Decker said in response to emailed questions. “This station strengthens the connection between Omaha and the rest of Nebraska by bringing statewide news and conversations to Omaha listeners while also helping Omaha’s stories reach more Nebraskans.”

He acknowledged that having a dedicated station in the state’s largest city will aid fundraising and underwriting efforts. The end of federal government funding of public media has forced public radio and television networks to increase fundraising efforts.

But Decker said the main motivation was fulfilling a mission to serve “all Nebraskans.”

NPM has had an Omaha television affiliate since 1965, when KYNE-TV joined a fledgling state public television network launched in 1954 on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus as KUON.

KIOS-FM, which was launched in 1969 by the Omaha Public Schools, broadcasts the NPR morning and evening news programs, “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered” but offers local interview and jazz music programs in between, as well as an evening Canadian news program, “As it Happens.”

KVNO, a non-commercial radio station operated by the University of Nebraska at Omaha, focuses on classical music, while KIWR “The River,” operated by Iowa Western Community College, offers more alternative rock and locally hosted music programs.

The three existing public radio stations in the Omaha area reached an agreement years ago to avoid duplication of programming.

Nancy Finken, chief content officer Nebraska Public Media, said the programming at KOOO will be distinct from the other stations on the NPM network.

Like other network stations, “Morning Edition” will broadcast from 6-9 a.m. with Nebraska host Dale Johnson, and “All Things Considered” will run from 4-7 p.m., hosted by Omaha native Grant Winterer. But instead of classical music in the daytime, NPR conversation programs will broadcast, such as “Fresh Air,” “Here & Now,” “Think!,” and “On Point,” along with local news and weather updates.

Two recently added Omaha-based reporters, Jessica Wade and Molly Ashford, will cover local stories, with NPM’s two state legislative reporters, Fred Knapp and Noelle Annonen, providing daily reports when the Nebraska Legislature is in session.

While other NPM stations turn to classical music on weekdays, Omaha-based KOOO will offer an “eclectic mix of rock, blues, world, folk, and alternative country that reflects the kind of music culture Omaha has supported for decades,” Finken said.

“We think it’s a format that fits the city,” she said, adding that programming may evolve, adding more local programming and hosts later.

Decker, Nebraska Public Media’s general manager and CEO, said an Omaha station should create a better connection with the rest of the state, which have been getting NPM-reported stories for years.

“Now Omaha gets those same voices, and Omaha’s stories — what’s happening in its neighborhoods, its businesses, its civic life,” he said. “That’s what a statewide public media network is supposed to do.”