For Immediate Release
Nebraska Public Media Acquires ‘The Reader’ and ‘El Perico’
LINCOLN, Neb. (May 9, 2024) – In alignment with its ongoing mission to provide diverse and impactful news and information in every community, Nebraska Public Media has acquired “The Reader” and “El Perico” digital properties from Pioneer Publishing in Omaha.
Founded in 1994, “The Reader” has been a cornerstone of Omaha’s media landscape as an alternative news publication. Its sister publication, “El Perico,” serves as a vital source of Spanish-language news and information, resonating deeply with the diverse communities of the metro area.
Pioneer Publishing’s John Heaston, who founded and published both newspapers until September 2023, sought a steward to continue the work he and his team were doing. He gifted the properties to Nebraska Public Media, an organization whose mission aligned with Heaston’s own vision. This is a significant development in Nebraska Public Media’s ongoing commitment to increase service on digital platforms, as well as create new opportunities to work with Spanish-speaking Nebraskans and experiment with reaching new audiences.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to extend the news and cultural reporting done by ‘The Reader and ‘El Perico’,” said Mark Leonard, General Manager/CEO. “This endeavor will amplify our commitment to in-depth coverage of people, places and issues that may not be receiving the kind of attention that public media journalism can provide. And we will shine a spotlight on Omaha and all it has to offer in live music, art, food and much more.”
"I’m pleased ‘The Reader’ and ‘El Perico’ will continue to make a positive impact on our community under the direction of Nebraska Public Media,” said Heaston. “I’m confident the network has the talent, vision and integrity to continue our work in the same tradition that has made our publications known as trustworthy, timely sources of news and information.”
In addition to providing an archive of past published content of both ‘The Reader’ and ‘El Perico,’ in the coming months, Nebraska Public Media will be developing a plan to continue to add new content to the digital sites for both entities.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Cameron Risher, 402-470-6312
About Nebraska Public Media
Nebraska Public Media has connected citizens with news, sports, education and entertainment since 1954. Providing global and compelling stories from PBS and NPR, the statewide public media network also produces award-winning local content. Its programs and services reach Nebraskans on television, radio, online, social media and mobile apps. Visit NebraskaPublicMedia.org for more information.