Message to Our Members
We live in a complex world and the 24-hour news cycle can feel exhausting. The abundance of online media and the decline of local journalism makes it difficult to keep up.
A recent report by the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in Chicago indicates more than half of the 3,143 counties in the U.S. have either no local news source or only one remaining outlet, typically a weekly newspaper.
That’s one reason why Nebraska Public Media has made a significant investment in our journalism team. Since News Director Jay Omar took the reins less than two years ago, we’ve hired a senior reporter and added two other full-time news positions. We are also hiring another full-time reporter and employ four students each semester.
Jay and his team are committed to local journalism. “Nebraska Public Media News strives to inform Nebraskans in all areas of the state, and our newsroom is growing to accomplish this goal,” he explains. “I couldn’t be prouder of the talented journalists who work each day to fulfill our mission. As the journalism landscape shifts, we will continue to prioritize local news and stories from across our great state.”
Nebraska Public Media is not alone in its commitment to local journalism. Last month, NPR announced a $5.5 million grant from the Schmidt Family Foundation that will expand
the network’s collaborative journalism efforts.
A portion of the grant will fund new positions in The Midwest Newsroom, a collaboration among Nebraska Public Media, KCUR in Kansas City, Iowa Public Radio and St. Louis Public Radio. A new investigative journalist will expand the newsroom’s capacity to report on Nebraska and Iowa and will collaborate with reporters at all four stations.
In alignment with our vision for news, Nebraska Public Media recently acquired two digital properties from Pioneer Publishing in Omaha – the alternative news publication The Reader and its Spanish-language sister publication El Perico. We’ll archive past published stories and develop a plan to add new digital content.
We’re delivering our Fiscal Year 20232024 annual report to you inside this issue of PREMIERE. It’s the most cost-effective way to share all we’ve accomplished because of YOUR support.
Thank you!
Chief Strategy Officer
ON THE COVER
FRONTLINE: The Choice 2024
Tuesday, Sept. 24
8 – 10 p.m. CT on Nebraska Public Media
As American voters face an unprecedented presidential election, FRONTLINE investigates the life experiences, the decisions and the times that forged the candidates – and shaped how they could lead the country over the next four years.
Relive the best moments of Nebraska high school sports, remembering the iconic games, last-minute shots and unforgettable stories that our communities, families and athletes treasure.
Host Larry Punteney and veteran play-by-play announcers take you back, dusting off our archives and presenting a condensed version of historic games –football, volleyball, basketball and more!
Plus, see fresh interviews with coaches, players and sportswriters who remember the excitement of the ‘big’ high school games.
We’ll premiere two archival games on television this month and you can watch more on our YouTube channel.
WATCH ON TELEVISION
Thursday, Sept. 12
Bellevue West vs. Millard North
Class A Boys’ Basketball Championship (March 14, 2020)
Friday, Sept. 27
Columbus Scotus vs. Central City
Class C1 Volleyball Championship (Nov. 11, 2000)
Both at 9 p.m. CT on Nebraska Public Media
WATCH ON
Stream new episodes each week throughout the fall sports season!
STARTS Sept. 1 youtube.com/NebraskaPublicMedia
Montana State vs. Nebraska
Saturday, Sept. 7
2 p.m. CT on Nebraska Public Media
Hotel Portofino Season 3 Finale
Sunday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. CT on Nebraska Public Media
At a quintessential British hotel in a beautiful Italian resort town, a murderer’s plan fails, but another shocking move creates disaster.
Hotel Portofino (Ep. 6) In the season finale, Bella fights for a business grant as Lucian and Constance prepare to run away.
Mannheim Steamroller 30/40 Live (6:30 p.m.) Celebrate 30 years of holiday magic
Rick Steves’ European Festivals (6:30 p.m.)
Windcatcher (6:30 p.m.)
Sherlock on Masterpiece >>
Revival69: The Concert That Rocked the World A 1969 all-star music festival >>
Aging Backwards 3 with Miranda
Nebraska Volleyball - Dream Like a Champion Follow the journey to win the 2006 National Championship title.
Classical Rewind (6 p.m.)
Meet the Midtown Men >>
Celine Dion: Taking Chances World Tour: The Concert Magical moments from her record-breaking, sold-out tour.
America’s Home Cooking: Sweets (6 p.m.)
Young Forever with Mark Hyman, MD >>
Mannheim Steamroller 30/40 Live Celebrate 30 years of holiday music and 40 years of Fresh Aire compositions
Celtic ThunderOdyssey >>
Big Red Wrap-Up: UTEP Recap Highlights and analysis Rick Steves' Why We Travel The value of exploring
Memory Makeover with Daniel Amen, MD (6 p.m.) Nature: My Garden of a Thousand Bees >>
A New Island: The Marshallese in Arkansas
All Creatures Great and Small: A Season 4 Change Go behind-thescenes with cast and crew during a season in the Yorkshire Dales
Nature: Saving the Animals of Ukraine (6 p.m.)
In The Deed The Glory: Memorial Stadium >>
NOVA: The Planets: Jupiter Our solar system’s wrecking ball
All Creatures Great and Small: Touring the Dales
Backyard Farmer Lawn and garden advice
Big Red Wrap-Up: UTEP Recap Highlights and analysis
Sherlock on Masterpiece: The Abominable Bride In this modern retelling of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic, our heroes are in 1890s London.
Mannheim Steamroller 30/40 Live (6 p.m.)
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Ken Burns: One Nation, Many Stories (6 p.m.)
America’s Home Cooking: Gadgets & Gizmos >>
Rick Steves’ Mighty Alps
New Kids on the Block: iHeart Radio Live The enduring legacy of the iconic boy band >>
Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska: A Celebration In Words and Music
Easy Yoga: The Secret to Strength and Balance With Peggy Cappy
For the Rights of All: Ending Jim Crow in Alaska
Rick Steves’ Europe: Great German Cities >>
Moments to Remember (6 p.m.) New performances and classics with hosts Patti Page and Nick Clooney 33rd Street Sessions >>
Revival69: The Concert That Rocked the World A 1969 all-star music festival comes together against all odds.
Memory Makeover with Daniel Amen, MD (6 p.m.)
Aging Breakthrough with Dr. Kellyann >>
33rd Street Sessions: Full Choke & The Mighty Jailbreakers
Thursday, Sept. 5 at 9 p.m. CT on Nebraska Public Media
Legendary stage performances are paired with all-new artist interviews to revive the authentic spirit of Nebraska’s 1990s music scene.
>> Sherlock on Masterpiece: The Abominable Bride (continues)
>> Revival69 (continues)
>> Meet the Midtown Men (continues)
John & Yoko: Above Us Only Sky Creating the iconic 1971 album Imagine
State of Volleyball: 2024 Fall Preview College and professional previews
Nature: American Ocelot
Ken Burns: One Nation, Many Stories The beloved filmmaker’s American storytelling
News
>> Celtic Thunder - Odyssey (continues) Big Red Wrap-Up: UTEP Recap Highlights and analysis
PBS News Hour
>> In The Deed The Glory: Memorial Stadium (continues)
PBS News Hour
DW The Day
BBC News
Memory Makeover with Daniel Amen, MD
Haymarket: The Bomb, The Anarchists
Eric Church: Live at Red Rocks
Odysseus Returns
The Four Phantoms in Concert A stunning finale pays tribute to the Broadway opera.
DW The Day
33rd Street Sessions: Full Choke & The Mighty Jailbreakers Classic 90s music and fresh band interviews
PBS News Hour
>> New Kids on the Block (continues)
PBS News Hour
DW The Day
Meet the Midtown Men The award-winning original cast of Broadway’s Jersey Boys
ICT News with Aliyah Chavez
BBC News
POV: Portraits and Dreams
Tina Turner: One Last Time The legend performs at London’s Wembley Stadium.
BBC News
America ReFramed: No Time to Fail
Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska: A Celebration in Words and Music
BBC News
Possible Selves: The Odds in Foster Care
>> 33rd Street Sessions: Full Choke & The Mighty Jailbreakers (continues)
Revival69: The Concert That Rocked the World Despite the odds, an all-star music festival comes together.
John & Yoko: Above Us Only Sky Creation of the iconic 1971 album Imagine
>> Aging Breakthrough with Dr. Kellyann (continues)
American Experience: The Busing Battleground
Encore Programming
This Land is Your Land (6:30 p.m.) The evolution of modern American folk music.
The Democratic and Republican nominees discuss America’s future during this general election presidential debate.
Carole King & James Taylor: Just Call Out My Name Their decades-long careers >>
Antiques Roadshow: Virginia Beach, Hour 1 A 1964 Cassius Clay promotional print
Antiques Roadshow: Virginia Beach, Hour 2 A 1554 Giorgio Ghisi engraving after Bronzino
Our Time Our Time Local, USA Stories From the Stage
Finding Your Roots: To the Manor Born Actor Glenn Close and director John Waters PBS News Special: ABC Presidential Debate >>
Big Red Wrap-Up: Colorado Recap Highlights and analysis
Ancient Invisible Cities Ancient Istanbul
Nature: Big Bend: The Wild Frontier of Texas Staggering landscapes along the Rio Grande River
Inclusive Economy
NOVA: Eagle Power The bird’s exceptional strength, eyesight and flying skills.
POV: Name Me Lawand A deaf man seeks a fresh start with his family.
Backyard Farmer Lawn and garden advice
Big Red Wrap-Up: Colorado Recap Highlights and analysis
America ReFramed: A Decent Home Housing on the lowest rung of the American dream
POV Shorts: Boom and Bust
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Tell Me More with Kelly Corrigan
Julius Caesar: The Making of a Dictator A decision changes the course of the Republic.
Sinatra: A Man and His Music + Ella + Jobim Frank Sinatra sings with the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald.
Julius Caesar: The Making of a Dictator Senators plot to end his rule.
Jane Eyre (2006) (Ep. 1) Jane lives in a cruel household and goes to a harsh boarding school. As Time Goes By Keeping Up Appearances
American Masters: A Song For Cesar The life and work of the civil rights activist and labor leader
the Joy of Painting
POV Shorts: Dreaming Life
The Best of the Joy of Painting
Charley Pride: I’m Just Me
Friday, Sept. 13 at 9 p.m. CT on Nebraska Public Media
An improbable journey from sharecropper’s son to Negro American League baseball player to country music superstar.
>> Carole King & James Taylor: Just Call Out My Name (continues)
Doc Martin Martin and Louisa are desperate for sleep. This Old House Kitchen counters
>> PBS News Special: ABC Presidential Debate (continues)
PBS News Hour
Big Red Wrap-Up: Colorado Recap Highlights and analysis
9/11 Inside the Pentagon On September 11, 2001, Flight 77 slammed into the Pentagon. This Old House Wall texture
PBS News Hour DW The Day
Nebraska High School Classics Class A Boys’ Basketball Championship (March 14, 2020)
PBS News Hour
Talk: A Local, USA Special
This Old House New construction
Charley Pride: I’m Just Me The journey from sharecropper's son to music star. This Old House Factory home
PBS News Hour
ReFramed: A Decent Home
ICT News with Aliyah Chavez Julius Caesar: The Making of a Dictator
American Experience: LBJ (Pt. 1) The presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson, one of American’s most astute, effective, and perplexing politicians.
Austin City Limits: St. Vincent
America ReFramed: A Decent Home Housing on the lowest rung of the American dream American Masters: A Song For Cesar POV Shorts: Boom and Bust
Ridley (Ep. 1) A murder investigation takes a dark and unexpected twist.
Nature: Big Bend: The Wild Frontier of Texas Wildlife along the Rio Grande River
In Botswana’s Okavango Delta, an elite team of experts capture the most critical months for Africa’s big cats.
Moonflower Murders on Masterpiece (Ep. 1) A couple needs help finding their missing daughter.
Finding Your Roots: To the Manor Born Actor Glenn Close and director John Waters
Antiques Roadshow: Vintage Honolulu 19th-century Hawaiian poi pounders
Antiques Roadshow: Vintage Milwaukee 2020 1869 Louisa May Alcott Li le Women books
Local, USA Local, USA
Stories From the Stage
Finding Your Roots: Activist Roots Brittany Packnett Cunningham and Anita Hill
Big Red Wrap-Up: Northern Iowa Recap Highlights and analysis
American Masters: Julia Alvarez: A Life Reimagined >>
Secrets of the Dead: Hidden in the Amazon Pre-Columbian societies in the Amazon
Big Cats 24/7 (Pts. 1 & 2) The team begins a six-month expedition following lions, leopards and cheetahs in Africa.
Older Workers, New Opportunities
Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound The hidden power of sound in cinema and our lives.
Backyard Farmer Season finale episode
Big Red Wrap-Up: Northern Iowa Recap Highlights and analysis
America ReFramed: Como Vivimos (How We Live) Cycles of displacement for Latinx youth in California's Central Valley
Our Time
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Tell Me More with Kelly Corrigan
Deadlock Encouraging civil discourse about ethical dilemmas
American Masters: Julia Alvarez: A Life Reimagined One of America's most celebrated Latina authors blazes a trail for new generations of writers
Jane Eyre (2006) (Ep. 2) Jane finds she has a rival for Rochester's attentions. As Time Goes By Keeping Up Appearances
POV: The Last Out Cuban baseball players risk exile to train in Central America. Latinx Photography Project
The Great American Recipe
Best of the Joy of Painting
Best of the Joy of Painting
Backyard Farmer
Thursday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. CT on Nebraska Public Media
In the season finale, our experts offer advice to protect your green spaces in the fall and winter – and get a head start on spring.
Van der Valk on Masterpiece (Ep. 1) Piet Van der Valk solves baffling crimes.
POV: Name Me Lawand A deaf man seeks a fresh start with his family.
American Experience: LBJ Revisit the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson.
Nature: Big Bend: The Wild Frontier of Texas
Doc Martin Penhale plans an open house to raise community awareness.
Old House Perimeter drain
>> American Masters: Julia Alvarez (continues) Big Red Wrap-Up: Northern Iowa Recap Highlights and analysis
PBS News Hour
PBS News Hour DW The Day BBC News Through Our Eyes NOVA: Eagle Power
DW The Day
Secrets of the Dead: The Sunken Basilica The remains of a 4th century basilica. This Old House Framing
PBS News
Never Drop the Ball Six-decade exclusion of Black baseball players This Old House Cedar shingles
America’s Test Kitchen Celebrates 25 Years This Old House Geothermal system
ReFramed: Como Vivimos
Masters: Orozco: Man of Fire
American Experience: LBJ (Pt. 2) His mastery of the legislative process shepherds historic social legislation.
America ReFramed
Austin City Limits: Foo Fighters
The Last Out
Project Fire George Hirsch Lifestyle
Ridley (Ep. 2) A complex and compelling murder case
A Reason to Live
Moonflower Murders on Masterpiece (Ep. 2) Susan learns more about the hotel's former employee.
Big Cats 24/7 The team begins a six-month expedition in Africa following lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Antiques Roadshow: Vintage Atlantic City (Hour 1) Reevaluating 2009 finds in today's market
Crossroads: A Conversation with America Judy Woodruff explores social change.
Independent Lens: Children of Las Brisas Music in an impoverished Venezuela neighborhood.
Stories From the Stage
Finding Your Roots: Mexican Roots Mario Lopez and Melissa Villasenor
Big Red Wrap-Up: Illinois Recap Highlights and analysis
Big Cats 24/7 (Pt. 2) A fight leaves the pride males injured and mothers with vulnerable cubs.
Nebraska Focused: Building Our Future Future workforce needs and research.
FRONTLINE: The Choice 2024 The experiences and decisions that forged the candidates. >>
Secrets of the Dead: Nero's Sunken City
An escape for ancient Rome's powerful elite
What If... D-Wayne & Nerd Creativity
What If... Fast Forward & Tri Faith
America ReFramed: La Manplesa: An Uprising Remembered D.C. police shooting protest
Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television
Washington Week with The Atlantic
Les Stroud’s Wild Harvest
Tell Me More with Kelly Corrigan
NOVA: Einstein’s Quantum Riddle Quantum entanglement is poised to revolutionize technology.
To Be Announced
Feet with Mickela Mallozzi
J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom
Big Red Wrap-Up: Illinois Recap Highlights and analysis
Singing Our Way to Freedom Ramon ‘Chunky’ Sanchez
Joseph Rosendo’s Steppin’ Out
Dooky Chase Kitchen: Leah’s Legacy
VOCES American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos John Leguizamo examines civilizations.
FRONTLINE: The Choice 2024 The life experiences, decisions and times that forged the candidates – and shaped how they could lead the country.
America’s Test Kitchen
Les Stroud’s Wild Harvest
Jane Eyre (2006) (Ep. 3) Jane begins a new life with St. John Rivers.
POV: Bulls and Saints An undocumented family decides to return home.
The Great American Recipe
The Great American Recipe
As Time Goes By Keeping Up Appearances
37th The Hispanic Heritage Awards A star-studded celebration
The Best of the Joy of Painting
The Best of the Joy of Painting
Big Red Wrap-Up
Tuesdays at 7 p.m. CT on WORLD
Tuesdays at 10 p.m. CT on Nebraska Public Media
From our renovated television studio, the team unpacks the big Husker plays and showcases the scores using crystal-clear technology.
Van der Valk on Masterpiece (Ep. 1) Solving crimes in 21st-century Amsterdam.
A Reason to Live Suicide among 15–24-year-olds.
American Experience: LBJ His mastery of the legislative process shepherds historic social legislation.
American Masters: Orozco: Man of Fire
Doc Martin Penhale and Morwenna participate in the annual gig race.
This Old House Clapboard siding
PBS News Hour DW The Day
>> FRONTLINE: The Choice 2024 (continues) Big Red Wrap-Up: Illinois Recap Highlights and analysis
PBS News Hour
DW The Day
Secrets of the Dead: Jurassic Fortunes Wealthy enthusiasts collect dinosaurs.
This Old House Wainscoting
PBS News Hour DW The Day
Ancient Maya Metropolis
& Co.
Major League Cuban Baseball Cubans playing America's national pastime.
This Old House Newel post
DW The Day
PBS News Hour America ReFramed: La Manplesa
Nebraska High School Classics Class C1 Volleyball Championship (Nov. 11, 2000)
This Old House Custom closet
PBS News Hour ICT News with Aliyah Chavez
American Experience: Ronald Wilson Reagan
America ReFramed: La Manplesa: An Uprising Remembered D.C. police shooting protest
Singing Our Way to Freedom Ramon ‘Chunky’ Sanchez
Austin City Limits: Kacey Musgraves
POV: Bulls and Saints
Weekdays
SHERLOCK
Winter Bear Project Bears’ Lair Wild Game
Seven Sacred Laws
Stories
the
Parris
Who’s Afraid of Nathan Law?
Sunday, Sept. 29 at 10 p.m. CT on Nebraska Public Media
Take a close look at Hong Kong’s most famous dissident to uncover what happens to freedom when an authoritarian power goes unchecked.
American Experience: Ronald Wilson Reagan His life through the testimony of family, friends, historians and biographers.
MYSTERY MURDER
Premiering Sunday, Sept. 15
7 p.m.
RIDLEY – SEASON 2
Detective partners solve dark and unsettling crimes.
8 p.m.
MOONFLOWER
MURDERS
The Masterpiece sequel to the acclaimed Magpie Murders
9 p.m.
VAN DER VALK – SEASON 4
A cynical detective investigates crime in Amsterdam.
All times CT
All on Nebraska Public Media
CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
Friday, Sept. 20
9 p.m. CT on Nebraska Public Media
It’s a recipe for success! Go behind-the-scenes with public TV’s most-watched cooking show – and a fan favorite for more than 600 episodes.
Red Earth Uncovered Skindigenous Native Shorts The Aux
ICT Newscast Tribal Police Files
& Courage
Fall Moosemeat & Marmalade
Richard Bangs’ Adventures with a Purpose Egypt
New Scandinavian Cooking Steven Raichlen’s Project Smoke
Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television
Rick Steves’ Europe
In the Americas with David Yetman The Best of the Joy of Painting Les Stroud’s Wild Harvest Islands Without Cars
Big Cats 24/7
PBS News Hour DW The Day BBC News
Lens: A Thousand Pines
POV: Who’s Afraid of Nathan Law? The young leader of Hong Kong's Umbrella Revolution.
Van der Valk on Masterpiece (Ep. 3, Pt. 1) Amsterdam is crime-prone.
Doc Martin Martin stops practicing before his hearing.
Ask This Old House BBC News Amanpour & Co.
SEPTEMBER SPECIALS
LOCAL TICKET OFFER
Celtic Thunder: Odyssey
Tuesday, Sept. 3
8:30 p.m.
Return to the heart of the song with carefully curated Celtic gems
LOCAL TICKET OFFER
Meet the Midtown Men
Monday, Sept. 2
8:30 p.m.
The stars of the award-winning original cast of Broadway's Jersey Boys
Ken Burns One Nation, Many Stories
Monday, Sept. 2
10 p.m.
The beloved filmmaker’s signature style and American storytelling
All Creatures Great and Small: A Season 4 Change
Wednesday, Sept. 4
7 p.m.
Behind-the-scenes during a season in the heartwarming Yorkshire Dales
LOCAL TICKET OFFER
Mannheim Steamroller
Tuesday, Sept. 3
7 p.m.
Holiday and Fresh Aire music from Omaha composer Chip Davis
TRUSTED.
We respect the trust you place in us. Confidence in PBS remains strong –with 77 percent of Americans* rating the network and member stations like ours FIRST in public trust for 21 consecutive years. Parents also trust us to open worlds of possibilities for every child, with 90 percent* agreeing PBS is a safe place for kids to watch television, play digital games and use mobile apps.
*pbs.org/value
VALUED.
We demonstrate our value to you by telling vibrant stories, nurturing early learners, staging fine arts and music, turning the pages of history, discovering science secrets, embracing new technologies and providing context to the local, national and world news that matters to all of us. Our work reflects the best of Nebraska, and we appreciate the value you place in the programs we produce and share.
We Are Partners in Public Media
We serve you and everyone in our local communities with more than just radio and television. Our multiplatform services reach across the state, educating, informing and inspiring you every day.
TRUSTED. VALUED. ESSENTIAL. These three defining qualities guide our work and our commitment to you.
We keep Nebraskans safe with regional tornado warning broadcasts on our FM radio transmitters.
ESSENTIAL.
Keeping you safe in times of emergency is essential. We relay information for the Emergency Alert System and originate tests and alerts from the Nebraska State Patrol and Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency. We also notify other TV and radio stations about Amber Alerts.
“Public media gives us a great sense of fulfillment. It’s the way I imagine the world and America should be.”
Tony, Norfolk
It’s been a successful fiscal year and YOU have made much of what we’ve accomplished possible.
Electricians, contractors and scenic designers have been working alongside our own production and engineering staff to renovate the Ron Hull Studio.
The space is back to a full production schedule, and we are imagining new television programs just for you! Robust local content distinguishes us from other media, and it is an essential part of our value to Nebraska.
Thank you for helping us reach this milestone. Your generous support allows us to set aggressive goals and serve every Nebraskan in the best possible way.
We recently expanded radio service in the Falls City area and our new transmitter will be at full power soon (pending FCC approval). Similar projects will upgrade our radio signals in Columbus, Broken Bow and McCook.
This month marks my last as general manager at Nebraska Public Media. My journey has been fantastic, taking me to public television stations in South Dakota, New York, Illinois and Nebraska. Nebraska Public Media is the ‘best of the best’ and it has been an honor to lead this network during times of dramatic change.
Our next general manager will discover a talented and motivated staff, impressive facilities and a tradition of innovation and excellence. No matter where technology leads us, our engaging storytelling will never go out of style.
I look forward to the next chapter in the history of Nebraska Public Media. I’ll be watching from right here in the state, the place I now call home.
Mark Leonard General Manager/CEO
Wrapping Up Our Biggest Production
Big things happen when you look ahead and see a future full of possibilities.
Early visionaries invested in Nebraska Public Media and with your unwavering support, we’ve found our way to the future once again. The technical upgrades and renovations funded by Imagine the Possibilities: Ron Hull Studio Update will sustain our work in a new era of television.
You’ll see our new studio sets for Backyard Farmer and Big Red WrapUp, but we’re still making behindthe-scenes and creative changes to further enhance your viewing experiences.
We first appeared on your television screens in November 1954 as our fledgling crew produced live television with borrowed equipment and shared studio space.
By 1956, we created programs in the basement of the Temple Building on the University of Nebraska’s downtown campus, and later from sites scattered across 14 campus buildings.
In 1969, the legislature approved funding for a state-of-the-art production facility – the heart of our network and the dream of former General Manager Jack McBride. The Ron Hull Studio (formerly Studio One) was the crown jewel, but 50 years took its toll on the timehonored studio and technology outpaced its capabilities.
Hundreds of generous donors supported the studio renovation and the future of our network. Thank you!
Your partnership and financial gifts are providing the critical studio infrastructure we need to maintain our position as a strong, independent media resource for generations of Nebraskans.
While much of the construction is complete, we are still awaiting the arrival of additional technology. Meanwhile, our talented teams are experimenting with the new equipment and transformative spaces. Keep watching for more big things to come!
"The new studio is eye-popping. It has all the elements of classy contemporary media without losing the warmth created by using natural materials. The huge screens, the lights and the potential for flexibility will let us have even more fun with our time-honored show.”
Kim Todd, Host Backyard Farmer
COUNTING ON THE FUTURE
During renovations to our studio, we installed nearly 4 MILES of data cable, 1 MILE of conduit and 5 MILES of wire – connecting our entire state with just 10 MILES of material. Across the ceiling, more than 7,200 pounds of flypipe bolsters 193 new LED lighting fixtures which will add depth and drama to your viewing experiences. Our faded studio floors have been stripped and freshly coated with 6 GALLONS of wax.
Backyard Farmer host Kim Todd can touch our new LED screen to zoom in on a breathtaking bloom and Husker highlights on Big Red Wrap-Up will be crystal clear. New flexible components enable advanced set designs to enhance all our local productions. The possibilities are endless, and our creative teams are dreaming of new ways to entertain you.
Trusted Local News
In our 24/7 world, news breaks in seconds. It reaches across the globe, finding your email, smartphone, radio, television and tablet as the ‘big story’ blazes across your screens.
But not every story makes a big headline. Smaller, local stories matter, too.
Our award-winning team of news reporters has strong Nebraska ties and a powerful commitment to trusted journalism for every community, especially those who are sometimes misrepresented.
This public media partnership deepens our community engagement journalism in underrepresented areas, helping us combat the spread of misinformation and distrust in media while sharing audience-focused resources about voting. The goal is to put people, not preconceived ideas, at the center of our reporting and strengthen the future of local journalism.
With a profound passion for our state, they research facts, consult reliable sources and create thoughtful, in-depth reporting that matters to all of us.
You’ll hear about issues like a lack of clean drinking water on the Santee Sioux reservation, statewide news survey results about a crisis facing Nebraska’s volunteer fire departments, controversy over water rights and construction of the Perkins County canal, and a shortage of housing and rising rents in Omaha. More and more of our small local stories are landing on a big stage. During the past year NPR broadcast 28 of our radio reports to a national audience. Our partnership with Harvest Public Media, and our collaboration with NPR’s Midwest Newsroom create greater capacity for investigative reporting.
And, when the Nebraska Legislature convenes, television broadcasts on our WORLD channel, online streaming and daily radio reports connect you to your state government, from the debate floor and more than a dozen other venues.
Your public media network is ESSENTIAL. We connect Nebraskans to each other and the world.
REACHING NEW AUDIENCES
As we fulfill our mission to report diverse stories, the alternative news publication The Reader and the Spanish-language El Perico digital properties became services of Nebraska Public Media when we acquired them from Pioneer Publishing in Omaha.
BY THE NUMBERS OUR NEWSROOM PRODUCED
829 NEWS STORIES & OUR TWO RADIO CHANNELS HAD 931,458 NEWS & MUSIC STREAMING SESSIONS STARTED.
CONNECTING CULTURES
Multilingual family events in Fremont drew more than 200 participants and Keene Memorial Library experienced significant growth in families signing up for library cards and checking out Spanishlanguage books.
Thriving
Imaginations and Boundless Curiosity
Early learning happens everywhere, every day – and parents are a child’s first and most important teachers. We nurture meaningful partnerships with parents, educators and caregivers to prepare all Nebraska’s children for school and bright futures.
Research confirms our award-winning PBS KIDS television programs, digital experiences and mobile apps are a leading educational resource, and Ready To Learn initiatives promote early learning and school readiness, especially for low-income children and families in underserved communities. Our focus on early learning creates possibilities for every young Nebraskan – with improved education, workforce and life outcomes.
We’re also active in your communities. Family friendly events and take-away materials encourage more learning at home. In 2023, we received a Ready To Learn grant to create a Learning Neighborhood in Fremont, a community approach that is an example for other areas.
The Washington Elementary Dual Language Program and Keene Memorial Library embraced new hands-on learning resources, and together, we are guiding young families as they explore skills such as computational and critical thinking, and everyday functional literacy. With support from grants and members like you, our education department is growing. Based on our work in Fremont, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and PBS awarded a statewide Ready To Learn grant to our network.
New, long-term partnerships will expand learning from school to home to community in meaningful ways, and we’ll work to support Spanish-speaking educators and caregivers.
The Ready To Learn Initiative
LIFELONG LEARNING
Our partnership with the University of Nebraska extends learning in the state to more audiences, as we tell stories about cutting-edge research and brilliant discoveries.
BY THE NUMBERS
IN 20 LOCAL COMMUNITIES, WE ENGAGED MORE THAN 800 CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN INTERGENERATIONAL LEARNING WITH OUR NEBRASKA PUBLIC MEDIA AND PBS KIDS EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES.
Meticulous Research and Measurements
On the 100th anniversary of the stadium synonymous with Saturdays in Nebraska, our local television documentary In The Deed The Glory: Memorial Stadium chronicled the college football cathedral’s rich history and enduring significance.
Our look back inspired a vision for the future and the use of cutting-edge technology. Nebraska Public Media Labs and a team of television producers researched and created immersive digital experiences that transport you to Husker football’s early days, including a virtual walk through the stadium as it existed in 1926 and a virtual 2D tour of the building as it stood in 1949.
Sports ignite passion, unite our communities and spotlight the accomplishments of emerging high school and elite college athletes. With production quality rivaling national broadcasts, our goal is to deliver the thrill of the game to you and every home in Nebraska.
On Volleyball Day in Nebraska, more than 92,000 fans packed Memorial Stadium to see the Huskers play the University of Nebraska at Omaha –breaking a world attendance record for women’s sports. Before that game, we broadcast the match between two other powerhouse programs – the University of Nebraska at Kearney and Wayne State College.
We first broadcast Nebraska Volleyball to a statewide audience in 1980, and today, passionate, lifelong fans watch our coverage from the first serve to the final kill.
SCIENCE + SOCIETY
Coaches and players rely on statistics to measure physical development and performance. With ultrasensitive trackers and digital data, training for today’s athletes can be analyzed in unprecedented detail. We produced the digital-only story Where Data and Sports Meet for the NOVA Science + Society project. It examines how athletes, coaches and parents can effectively use data to enhance a young athlete’s performance while minimizing stress. BY THE NUMBERS
69,253 PEOPLE WATCHED THIS NOVA STORY ONLINE. WATCH NOW on the PBS app or our YouTube Channel.
2023-2024
July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024
OPERATING REVENUE OPERATING EXPENSES
$1,850,000
$5,140,000
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR DONORS
(Due to limited space within this publication, we are unable to list each of the thousands of members who generously support our network.)
Abel Foundation •
Acklie Charitable Foundation •
Phyllis Acklie •
Fran Acosta-Carlson •
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Charitable Fund •
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The Jack G. McBride Society recognizes donors who contribute annual gifts of $1,200 or more to the Nebraska Public Media Foundation. These gifts enable us to achieve the highest standards for our local productions. It is named for founder and former general manager John “Jack” McBride who led the station for 43 years.
Thank you to our donors who wish to remain anonymous.
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Our network won 27 local, regional and national awards.
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1,321,067users visited NebraskaPublicMedia.org, an increase of 9 percent
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Before Jim and Mary Owens dated, their parents were already good friends. Jim was in college and Mary was still in high school in Weeping Water when he wrote a letter asking her to a winter formal.
“My parents said yes, but I think that was only because they knew his family so well,” laughed Mary.
After college graduations and a sixyear courtship, they married in 1956, finished Jim’s service in the Army in Salt Lake City and settled in Jim’s hometown of Loup City where their daughter and son were born.
When Mary’s father experienced health issues, they moved to Weeping Water and Jim worked in the family bank. Their busy young family didn’t watch a great deal of television, but that changed when Jim and Mary retired and moved to Lincoln in 1991.
“We had more time and became avid watchers of Nebraska Public Media,” Mary explained. “Jim and I always looked forward to Sunday night with PBS presentations on Masterpiece Theatre.”
The couple’s support of the network dates to 1988 when they began making annual donations. “We watched and enjoyed, and if we wanted it to continue, we needed to support it,” she said.
Together, Jim and Mary established a Donor Advised Fund at the Lincoln Community Foundation. “It enabled us to respond to the immediate, special needs of charities – projects such as the Ron Hull Studio Update,” said Mary.
Jim died in 2019, but Mary continues to support the network and believes in the power of financial planning for families. “Many people giving will make things happen. Some viewers may not be able to respond financially, but when you can, you have a special obligation. And, you must have a plan,” she said.
Today, Mary watches Nebraska Stories, Doc Martin, Call the Midwife, British comedies, legislative coverage, Nebraska volleyball and any series by Ken Burns. She says she relies on balanced news coverage from the PBS News Hour – a program interest she and Jim shared.
“They present an in-depth report, and not just a news bite. I am convinced that the country I have been blessed to experience can only endure with fact-based news and a well-informed citizenry.”
Strong member support makes it possible for us to bring you vital news, high-quality entertainment, inspiring music and trusted PBS KIDS programs. Do you have questions about how your gift can strengthen the mission of Nebraska Public Media?
Becca Jewell Director of
DEADLOCK
Friday, Sept. 20
8 p.m. CT on Nebraska Public Media
Encouraging Civil Discourse About Ethical Dilemmas
In an era dominated by polarizing debate, this dynamic new special brings together influential figures from legal, political and cultural spheres to delve into complex, ethical dilemmas based on real-life scenarios.
Monday, Sept. 23
8 p.m. CT on Nebraska Public Media
In this ‘conversation with America,’ former PBS News Hour host Judy Woodruff reports on our nation’s greatest divide, values that bind us together and restoring civility.
October
