New signal brings NPR news, local journalism and eclectic music programming to Omaha starting June 15
EDITORS: Press images are available via Dropbox. For questions, contact Maggie Berndt.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nebraska Public Media Coming to Omaha on 101.9 FM
LINCOLN, Neb. (May 26, 2026) – Nebraska Public Media will launch Nebraska Public Media Omaha on June 15, bringing a dedicated public radio signal to listeners across the Omaha metro on 101.9 FM. Until then, 101.9 FM will continue airing preview programming as the station completes final technical preparations for launch.
The new station expands Nebraska Public Media’s statewide public radio service with a signal designed specifically for Omaha listeners, furthering the organization’s mission to serve communities across Nebraska through educational and public media networks.
“Adding a dedicated radio signal in Omaha is something we have been working toward for a long time, and I am proud that the moment is finally here,” said Stacey Decker, Nebraska Public Media General Manager and CEO. “Omaha is Nebraska’s largest city and a major part of the state’s story. 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.”
Programming at Launch
When Nebraska Public Media Omaha officially launches June 15, listeners will hear a weekday schedule anchored by familiar public radio voices alongside local news and updates from Nebraska Public Media’s Omaha and statewide newsroom.
“We wanted to create a station that feels connected to Omaha,” said Nancy Finken, Nebraska Public Media Chief Content Officer. “Listeners will hear trusted NPR news and conversation programming alongside local news, weather and reporting tied to the city’s neighborhoods, businesses and community life. In the evenings, the station shifts into music that reflects Omaha’s longstanding independent music culture. We also expect the programming to grow and evolve as we deepen our Omaha roots, adding more local hosts and shows over time.”
NPR’s “Morning Edition” will air weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. CT with local hosting from veteran Nebraska broadcaster Dale Johnson, a member of the Nebraska Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame. “All Things Considered” will air weekdays from 4 to 7 p.m. CT with local hosting from Omaha native and Creighton University graduate Grant Winterer.
Between morning and evening drive times, Nebraska Public Media Omaha will feature NPR news and conversation programming including “Fresh Air,” “Here & Now” and “On Point.”
Throughout the day, listeners will also hear reporting from Omaha-based journalists Jessica Wade and Molly Ashford alongside statewide reporting from Nebraska Public Media’s award-winning news team, including daily legislative coverage from Fred Knapp and Noelle Annonen during the Nebraska legislative session.
Weekdays beginning at 7 p.m. CT, the station will shift to an Adult Album Alternative format featuring an eclectic blend of rock, blues, folk, world and alternative country music from contemporary and heritage artists.
Weekend programming will include favorites like “Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me!” and locally hosted music shows, including “Flow Lab,” hosted by Phoenixx Carroll, and “The Verge,” hosted by Nebraska Public Media Music Director Genevieve Randall. “Flow Lab” features hip-hop, R&B, soul and dance music, and “The Verge” highlights contemporary classical and boundary-pushing music from around the world.
A True Statewide Network
The launch of Nebraska Public Media Omaha continues Nebraska Public Media’s mission under the Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Act to operate statewide educational and public media networks serving all Nebraskans.
With the addition of the Omaha signal, Nebraska Public Media expands access to public radio programming while creating new opportunities to serve and reflect the Omaha community through local journalism, cultural programming and statewide storytelling.
Nebraska Public Media Omaha will begin broadcasting its full programming schedule Monday, June 15.
More information and schedule highlights are available at NebraskaPublicMedia.org/omaha.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Maggie Berndt, Director of Communications & Engagement, mberndt@nebraskapublicmedia.org, 402-470-6603 (office) or 773-802-1014 (mobile)
About Nebraska Public Media
Nebraska Public Media has connected people 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 through television, radio, podcasts, digital platforms, social media and mobile apps. Visit NebraskaPublicMedia.org for more information.