Innovative technologies and partnerships help Nebraska Public Media deliver essential emergency information faster than ever before.
Public safety is a vital part of our mission, from lifesaving weather warnings to Amber Alerts that protect endangered children.
In partnership with local, state and federal agencies, we serve as an integral part of the Emergency Alert System – relaying critical messages and originating alerts from the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Nebraska State Patrol. Our network also maintains Nebraska’s NOAA Weather Service transmitters, which issue weather warnings and safety alerts to help protect lives across the state.
During the last year, we added radio stations near Columbus (KUNE 88.7 FM), Falls City (KQNE 89.9 FM), Broken Bow (KGNE 89.3 FM) and McCook (KNNE 90.7 FM). With these new signals, we’re providing more essential emergency information, alongside our trusted news, music and cultural programming. We also upgraded our network with new automated alert systems. Emergency Alert System (EAS) boxes and satellite radio receivers installed at every full-power FM radio station now allow immediate broadcasts of alerts from the National Weather Service – delivering lifesaving information faster, especially in rural areas.
In addition to these upgrades, Nebraska Public Media became the nation’s first PBS station to launch and test a NextGen TV virtual channel, currently available in Omaha. This project embraces next-generation broadcast technology with enhanced picture quality, improved alerts and interactive streaming features
This story comes from our 2024–2025 Annual Report, showcasing highlights from that fiscal year. Read the full report here.