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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 January 1984, the FCC granted permission
to increased the FM power to 100,000 watts. KRVN-FM can be found at
93.1 on your FM dial.
In August 1984, KNEB AM/FM, Scottsbluff,
Nebraska is added to the KRVN family to better serve farmers and ranchers
in western Nebraska.
In November 1989, KRVN's new studios
are dedicated by Gov. Kay Orr. With pride in its past, KRVN is ready
for the future.
December 1989 - Grand Opening of new
studios. Congresswoman Virginia Smith and her husband, Haven, Charter
Members of NRRA, cut the ribbon.
May 1990 - FM 93 joins NBC and begins
24 hours a day operation.
May 1995 - NRRA purchases a SignPro
franchise. Two full time employees stay busy producing attractive,
custom signage. The business is located in downtown Lexington, Nebraska.
In 1996, KRVN Radio goes on-line with
its own Web Site. Just another way of bringing information to the
farmers and ranchers we serve.
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!
