Nebraska Public Media

What Nebraska Public Media does

Nebraska Public Media is a nonprofit community media organization founded in 1954 and headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska. It operates a statewide public television network affiliated with PBS (9 TV transmitters, 15 translators delivering five channels: Nebraska Public Media, WORLD, Create, PBS KIDS 24/7, and FNX|First Nations Experience) and a statewide public radio network affiliated with NPR (9 stations plus additional FM translators, including a dedicated Omaha signal on 101.9 FM). Core infrastructure includes 99.5% FM and 99.9% TV transmitter reliability, Emergency Alert System integration with the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, and ATSC 3.0 (Next Gen TV) capability through a Sinclair partnership. The organization produces original local series such as Nebraska Stories, Backyard Farmer, Big Red Wrap-Up, What If... Nebraska, Friday LIVE, and the Nebraska Update daily news podcast, while distributing PBS and NPR programming including PBS NewsHour, NOVA, Morning Edition, and All Things Considered.

Its product surface spans five TV channels, a nine-station radio network, on-demand streaming via the PBS app and the NebraskaPublicMedia.org platform, mobile applications (iOS/Android), podcasts on Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Amazon Music/Pocket Casts, and educational resources such as PBS LearningMedia, Nebraska Studies, and the Nebraska Virtual Capitol. Distribution is multi-platform: free over-the-air broadcast, streaming, YouTube, podcasts, and limited cable/satellite carriage. Sports coverage includes 200+ hours annually of live local sports and gavel-to-gavel Nebraska Legislature coverage.

Revenue is generated through a diversified nonprofit mix: state appropriations from Nebraska and the University of Nebraska System, individual donations and membership (Sustaining Star monthly giving, one-time donations with suggested tiers from $84 to $1,200+), corporate underwriting and sponsorship (e.g., Ameritas five-year Husker women's sports deal, Nebraska Lottery, Humanities Nebraska), merchandise and DVD sales via the UNL Marketplace, and major-gift/capital-campaign contributions. Federal funding through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting — approximately $4 million annually and 14.4% of the FY 24-25 operating budget — was eliminated by a July 2025 rescission package, with CPB ceasing operations on October 1, 2025. The organization is responding via a $2 million additional-pledges campaign and efficiency measures while continuing expansion in coverage and technology.

Name

Nebraska Public Media

Legal name

Nebraska Public Media Foundation

Website

https://nebraskapublicmedia.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1954

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Nebraska Public Media is a Lincoln, Nebraska-based nonprofit operating a statewide PBS-affiliated television network (5 channels) and NPR-affiliated radio network (9 stations) serving Nebraska since 1954, delivering local news, educational content, sports coverage, and emergency alerts funded through state appropriations, individual donations, and corporate underwriting.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Broadcasting Services

NAICS

Television Broadcasting Stations (516120), Radio Broadcasting Stations (51611), Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations (5161), Broadcasting and Content Providers (516)

SIC

Television Broadcasting Stations (4833), Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832)

akta.pro primary industry

National Public Television Networks & Member Stations (PBS-style) (MPABADAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

National Public Radio Networks & Member Stations (NPR-style) (MPABADAB), Educational/Instructional Public Media Services (Schools, Distance Learning) (MPABADAH), University/Educational Local Stations (College Radio, Campus TV) (MPABACAH)

Keywords

• Public television broadcasting
• Public radio broadcasting
• Educational media services
• Community journalism
• Nonprofit media network

Headquarters

HQ city

Lincoln

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Federal Funding (Eliminated): Previously received approximately $4 million annually (14.4% of budget) through Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Federal funding was eliminated in July 2025 via rescission package. CPB ceased operations October 1, 2025.
2. State of Nebraska Appropriations: Public funds from State of Nebraska supporting operations
3. University of Nebraska Appropriations: State university funding through partnership with University of Nebraska System
4. Individual Donations/Membership: Donor contributions from viewers and listeners. Sustaining Star monthly giving program. One-time and recurring donation options with suggested amounts ranging from $84 to $1,200+. Thank-you gifts offered for donations.
5. Corporate Underwriting/Sponsorship: Corporate support and partner content. Organizations sponsor programs and events to reach Nebraska audience. Examples include Nebraska Lottery, Ameritas (sports sponsorship), Humanities Nebraska (programming grants).
6. Merchandise Sales: DVDs, merchandise, and original productions sold through UNL Marketplace including NSAA championships recordings, documentaries like 'Standing Bear's Footsteps', 'Small Town Cops', 'Most Honorable Son'.
7. Capital Campaign Donations: Major gifts from donors for capital projects. $1 million transformational gift from Boyd family for Ron Hull Studio Update. Campaign raised $5.4 million, completing $600,000 under budget.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Nebraska Public Media operates a statewide noncommercial public television and radio network serving Nebraska. The organization delivers five over-the-air television channels (Nebraska Public Media, WORLD, Create, PBS KIDS 24/7, and FNX|First Nations Experience) and a nine-station public radio network including Nebraska Public Media Omaha on 101.9 FM. Core programming spans local journalism, educational content for children, live sports, cultural storytelling, and emergency alerting, distributed via broadcast, streaming apps, podcasts, and mobile platforms.

Product overview

Nebraska Public Media operates a multi-platform public media network consisting of television (5 channels: Nebraska Public Media, WORLD, Create, PBS KIDS 24/7, and FNX|First Nations Experience) and radio (9-station network plus Omaha 101.9 FM). The core offerings include original local series (Nebraska Stories, Backyard Farmer, Big Red Wrap-Up, What If... Nebraska, Friday LIVE, All About Books, Nebraska Update podcast) alongside PBS and NPR national programming. Premium membership benefits include PBS Passport for extended on-demand access. Educational services encompass PBS LearningMedia, Nebraska Studies, and Nebraska Virtual Capitol. Additional digital services include live streaming, on-demand content, mobile apps, and comprehensive sports coverage including NSAA high school championships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Nebraska Public Media TV Network A nine-transmitter statewide noncommercial public television network affiliated with PBS, broadcasting five channels (Nebraska Public Media main, WORLD, Create, PBS KIDS 24/7, and FNX|First Nations Experience) to Nebraska audiences free over-the-air.
• Nebraska Public Media Radio Network A nine-station statewide noncommercial public radio network affiliated with NPR, including flagship KUCV in Lincoln and Nebraska Public Media Omaha on 101.9 FM, plus FM translators covering all of Nebraska.
• PBS Passport Membership benefit providing extended on-demand access to a library of public television programming from PBS and Nebraska Public Media, including current and archival programs available to sustaining donors.
• Nebraska Update Daily news podcast delivering statewide headlines and valued perspective every weekday morning, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Pocket Casts.
• Nebraska Public Media Mobile App Mobile application for accessing Nebraska Public Media television, radio, and on-demand content, available on iOS App Store and Google Play alongside PBS and NPR apps.
• PBS LearningMedia Educational resource library providing standards-aligned digital content for educators, parents, and caregivers in Nebraska, distributed as part of the PBS LearningMedia national platform.
• Nebraska Studies Interactive educational tool using digital experiences to make Nebraska history engaging for students, teachers, and lifelong learners.
• Nebraska Virtual Capitol Virtual tour program providing interactive lessons about Nebraska state government and the capitol building for students and educators.
• Nebraska Stories Award-winning local character-driven storytelling series covering art, science, history, sports, performance, and nature across Nebraska.
• Backyard Farmer Long-running lawn and garden series providing tips on horticulture and landscaping for Nebraska home gardeners, the network's first local series to broadcast in color in 1972.
• Big Red Wrap-Up Sports analysis show covering Nebraska Cornhuskers athletics, providing commentary and insights on games and seasons.
• What If... Nebraska Award-winning series exploring innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship in Nebraska through stories of Nebraskans answering simple questions with innovative solutions.
• Friday LIVE Arts and humanities radio series featuring lively conversation about cultural events and guests from across Nebraska, broadcast from locations statewide.
• All About Books Radio series featuring book reviews, author interviews, and literary discussions.
• Curious Nebraska Audio series exploring questions and topics of interest to Nebraska listeners.
• Nebraska Concerts Radio series featuring Nebraska music performances and concert recordings.
• NSAA High School Championships Live broadcast coverage of Nebraska State Activities Association high school sports championships including volleyball, basketball, baseball, soccer, and speech championships, with DVDs sold through UNL Marketplace.
• America 250 Programming initiative celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, featuring archival documentaries capturing the Nebraskan experience.

Quantifiable outcome

• 170+ regional tornado warnings broadcast annually via FM radio network
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• NPR/Midwest NewsroomcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 July 2024NPR-funded Midwest Newsroom expansion includes dedicated reporting capacity in Nebraska. Collaborative journalism initiative increases capacity to research complex issues, offer more perspectives, and create valuable conversations strengthening local journalism.
• Harvest Public MediacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Harvest Public Media provides specialized agricultural and food-related reporting for Nebraska audiences. Part of forward-thinking approach to strengthen local journalism.
• America AmplifiedminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration initiative to strengthen journalism through community engagement and audience participation. Increases capacity for complex issue coverage.
• PBS (Public Broadcasting Service)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational nonprofit media organization distributing PBS programming like PBS NewsHour, NOVA, Daniel Tiger, Masterpiece to 350 independent member stations. Provides national content pipeline and public media infrastructure.
• NPR (National Public Radio)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational nonprofit producing and distributing news programs Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Weekend Edition, Fresh Air to 1,000+ independent public radio stations.
• University of Nebraska Board of RegentscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLicenses KUON-TV flagship station to University of Nebraska Board of Regents. Long-standing agreement with UNL for operation of Nebraska Public Media television network.
• Nebraska Educational Telecommunications CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGoverning body holding licenses for 9 radio transmitters and 8 of 9 TV transmitters. Public media partnership between NETC and University of Nebraska provides exceptional service statewide.
• AmeritasminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFive-year sponsorship as presenting sponsor for all Husker women's sports. Multi-year deal supporting women's athletics and NIL opportunities.
• University of Nebraska State MuseumminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFunding partner for Nebraska Update podcast. Museum collaboration for educational content.
• International Quilt MuseumminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for America 250 Community Celebration events. Joint hosting of free family-friendly open house events.
• Japanese Hall and History ProjectminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCollaborative partnership for Nebraska Stories: Rescuing Japanese Hall documentary and screening events at Legacy of the Plains Museum and Midwest Theater.
• PBS KIDScoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPBS KIDS programming and LearningMedia resources support early childhood education. Ready To Learn grant funded development (now terminated).
• 1890 NebraskaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial NIL collective of Husker Athletics partnership. Supports student athletes through Name, Image, Likeness deals.
• Lincoln LiteracyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNonprofit partnership providing workplace English classes at Hexagon Agility. Part of community workforce development.
• Greater Lincoln Workforce Development BoardminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWorkplace English program partnership supporting workforce training and language education.
• KVCR/FNXminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFNX|First Nations Experience national broadcast network exclusively devoted to Native American content. KVCR in California originates FNX programming.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Iowa PBS: Statewide PBS member network in Iowa operating a similar hybrid model combining television channels, educational programming (Iowa PBS KIDS), local documentaries, and state-level public-affairs coverage. Highly comparable in mission, scale, and revenue mix (state appropriations + donations + formerly CPB funds).
• Colorado Public Radio: Statewide NPR member network serving Colorado with comparable news, classical, and indie music programming, listener-supported nonprofit funding model, and a strategic focus on Mountain West coverage that parallels Nebraska Public Media's statewide rural-broadcaster mandate.
• South Dakota Public Broadcasting: Combined public TV and radio network serving rural South Dakota - a near-perfect geographic and demographic analog given similar Plains-state population density, statewide broadcast mission, and university-affiliated governance model facing the same federal funding headwinds.
• Minnesota Public Radio (MPR): Major NPR-affiliated statewide public radio network also serving a rural/agricultural Midwest audience, with comparable news/classical programming and a strong membership/donation revenue mix. Larger scale than Nebraska Public Media, making it both a peer and a structural aspirational benchmark.
• Kansas NBS (PBS) / KPTS: Wichita-based PBS affiliate serving Kansas with statewide coverage of news, education, and children's programming, operating under a similar license-and-transmitter model funded by member support, underwriting, and state appropriations. Direct structural analog given shared state of Nebraska's cultural region.
• NET Television (previously Nebraska ETV): The Nebraska Public Media network's predecessor organization (NET) is itself the historical name of the entity; included because Nebraska Public Media operates the same licenses under the same UNL/NETC structure and any comparison between legacy and current entity is foundational.
• Kansas Public Radio (KPR): A statewide NPR-affiliated radio network operating multiple transmitters across Kansas from the University of Kansas, with comparable news, classical, and jazz programming and a similar noncommercial/nonprofit funding model dependent on listener support and university/state backing.

Others

• PBS (Public Broadcasting Service): The national PBS network organization itself; not a direct competitor but the critical channel partner/supplier of national programming pipeline (PBS NewsHour, NOVA, Daniel Tiger, etc.) and the PBS Passport infrastructure that Nebraska Public Media depends on as a member station.

Broad incumbents

• WGBH (GBH): Major Boston-based PBS member station and national content producer (Frontline, NOVA co-producer, American Experience) operating at significantly larger scale; comparable in PBS affiliation, public-media funding model, and content production role, but with national programming influence rather than purely local focus.
• WNET (New York Public Media): Large New York-based PBS station group (WNET/WLIW) operating multiple channels, major national co-productions (Great Performances, Nature), and substantial development/membership operations. Comparable in PBS-affiliated broadcast model but at an order-of-magnitude larger resource base.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/NebPublicMedia
• YouTubeyoutube.com/NebraskaPublicMedia
• Facebookfacebook.com/nebraskapublicmedia
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nebraskapublicmedia
• Instagraminstagram.com/nebraskapublicmedia

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Nebraska Public Media