Nebraska Radio History Archive Presentation:
The construction of a farmer-rancher owned radio station in Nebraska was triggered by several events that took place in 1947 and 1948. First, Nebraska farmers learned of a farm organization in Ohio that was creating a farm radio station, a new and startling idea at that time.
Secondly, Nebraska suffered one of its worst blizzards ever in 1948. Radio coverage in the western part of the state was insufficient and weather information provided by existing stations was inaccurate. Forecasts were still warning of the possibility of snow at the height of the blizzard. Many people and thousands of animals perished as a result. Had adequate information been available, farmers and ranchers could have braced themselves for the storm and made arrangements for their livestock.
Third, in the spring of 1947 the St. Joseph radio station discontinued its grain market broadcasts. This left southeastern Nebraska farmers scrambling for current market information.
Fourth, radio reception in out-state Nebraska was meager at best. Coverage outside of Omaha consisted mainly of local stations, leaving some parts of the state, including most of North Central Nebraska, without service.
Finally, many farmers realized they had no means by which to communicate efficiently with the outside world. An organization designed to serve the agricultural community seemed to be the best answer.
In October 1947, the Cooperative Council met in North Platte to discuss the formation of an Agricultural station. A representative from the Ohio farm station WRFD was invited to speak and those present unanimously resolved to investigate the economic, legal and engineering possibilities of a Nebraska farm station. Representatives of farm organizations throughout the state were invited to participate and met in March 1948 to hear the results of the survey. The report was optimistic and a unanimous decision was made to proceed with plans for the station.
In May 1948, the articles of incorporation and by-laws of what was to become the Nebraska Rural Radio Association were drawn up. On June 2, 1948, with the backing of 43 representatives from Nebraska farm organizations, the Nebraska Rural Radio Association was created.
On April 4, 1949, the Nebraska Rural Radio Association decided to apply to the Federal Communications Commission to operate at 1010kc with 25,000 watts of power during daytime hours using a directional antenna. Lexington, Nebraska was chosen for its central location to provide the best coverage of the state. On February 1, 1951, KRVN was given permission to begin broadcasting.
In November 1962, KRVN-FM signed on the air to provide a music based compliment to the AM's informational format.
In March 1972, the FCC granted KRVN-AM's request to increase power to 50,000 watts at 880 on the AM dial, where it remains today.
In August 1984, KNEB AM/FM, Scottsbluff, Nebraska is added to the KRVN family to better serve farmers and ranchers in western Nebraska.
In August 1997, KTIC AM /KWPN FM, West Point, Nebraska is added to the Nebraska Rural Radio Association. NRRA is now able to cover agriculture from border to border!
(Courtesy of KRVN)
This site is part of the historical review of Nebraska Radio Stations at NebraskaRadio.com and is not operated by KRVN
radio. We cannot answer questions about the station, take requests. Please call their studio line offices for assistance. If you have historical information you would like included on this site, E-MAIL ME!
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