Nebraska Rural Radio Association

The Nebraska Rural Radio Association is a radio broadcast network in the U.S. state of Nebraska. It was formed in 1948 with the goal of bringing information to farmers and ranchers in the state, including daily grain and livestock markets, weather and farm reports. Its first station, KRVN (AM), was started in 1951.

Severe blizzards in Nebraska in 1948-49 had resulted in deaths and serious damage to herds and crops across the state. One of the reasons cited for the massive loss of life, crops, and livestock was a lack of timely news and weather sources for farmers. More than 4,000 shares (at $10 each) were sold under the auspices of the Nebraska Cooperative Council, Nebraska Farm Bureau, Nebraska Farmers Union, and the state Grange. The network is still owned and operated by a cooperative of farmers and ranchers.[1] Founder Max Brown ran the network until 1979[2][3] and was succeeded by his son Eric Brown, who served until 2012.[4]

In November 2019, the association purchased a group of stations -- six in Scottsbluff and one in Holdrege -- from Legacy Communications.[5] It then resold one of the Scottsbluff stations, KETT, to VSS Catholic Communications.[6] With that purchase, the network now owns 15 stations across the state, as well as four additional affiliates.[7]

  1. ^ Kay Grote, "KNEB’s Larson named Nebraska Rural Radio manager", Scottsbluff Star‑Herald, January 24, 2012.
  2. ^ "Max Brown, 93; help create network of radio stations", Associated Press in Boston Globe, December 18, 2004.
  3. ^ Barbara Kleban Mills, "A Childhood Friendship Turns to Love, and Muriel Humphrey Plans to Be Married", People, February 16, 1981.
  4. ^ "Nebraska Business Hall of Fame honorees tied to Runza, radio, banking and industry", Omaha World-Herald, January 29, 2014.
  5. ^ "NRRA to acquire seven stations in Scottsbluff, Holdrege". North Platte Telegraph. November 10, 2019. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  6. ^ "A Legacy Cluster's Quick Owner Flip". Radio & Television Business Report. November 12, 2019. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  7. ^ "Chadrad Stations Join Nebraska Rural Radio Association", KCSR, April 3, 2014.