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KUCV

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Coordinates: 40°31′05″N 96°46′08″W / 40.518°N 96.769°W / 40.518; -96.769
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KUCV
Frequency91.1 MHz (HD Radio)
BrandingNET Radio
Programming
FormatPublic radio; News, classical music
SubchannelsHD2: News, jazz
AffiliationsNPR
APM
PRX
Ownership
OwnerNebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission
History
First air date
October 22, 1967 (1967-10-22) (at 91.3)[1]
Former frequencies
  • 91.3 MHz (1967–1980)
  • 90.9 MHz (1980–2001)
Call sign meaning
"Union College Voice"
Technical information[2]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID47966
ClassC1
ERP100,000 watts
HAAT210 meters (690 ft)
Links
Public license information
WebcastStream
Websitenebraskapublicmedia.org

KUCV (91.1 FM) is a radio station in Lincoln, Nebraska, United States. A member of NPR, it is owned by Nebraska Public Media and is the flagship station of the Nebraska Public Radio Network (NET Radio).

KUCV signed on for the first time in 1967, originally owned by Union College, an educational institution affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It was the second NPR station in Nebraska, joining the network in 1983. The Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission (NETC) bought the station in 1988, making it the first station in its statewide public radio network.

History

Early years

The history of radio broadcasting at Union College dates to 1960, when a five-watt, carrier current station began broadcasting for several hours a day. It was programmed by students and overseen by the speech department.[3] In March 1967, the college applied to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to replace KVUC with an FM station at 91.3 MHz.[4] The FCC granted the permit for the 10-watt outlet in May,[5] and KUCV began broadcasting on October 22, 1967, airing 35 hours of programming a week.[1]

A one-story Neoclassical building
The former College View Public Library on the Union College campus housed KUCV's studios from 1976 through 1988.

Originally primarily airing taped educational programming, much of it from other colleges,[6] KUCV began airing evening classical music programming in 1975 and planned a power increase and the beginning of stereo broadcasting;[7] in 1977, an Adventist radio station in Tennessee donated a 200-foot (61 m) tower to the college to increase the station's coverage area.[8] As part of the upgrades, KUCV moved to the former College View Public Library near the campus[9] at 49th and Prescott streets, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.[7] That year, the first full-time station manager began work, and the station began full-time classical broadcasting.[10] The new tower was installed in February 1978; KUCV also tweaked its format to provide more comprehensive fine arts programming.[11]

Growing into a regional station

A power increase had been part of Union College's plan for KUCV since its approval;[4] an application to increase effective radiated power to 20,000 watts while changing frequencies was filed in May 1978,[12] while the college initiated a fundraising campaign to support station upgrades and the station expanded its broadcasting hours.[13] After delays caused by an opposition from Omaha television station WOWT, which operated in the nearby channel 6 (82–88 MHz) and objected to possible interference,[14] the FCC approved the power increase and frequency change in June 1979;[15] KUCV moved to 90.9 MHz on February 5, 1980.[16] After the change, the station had to provide band-pass filters for Lincoln television viewers who complained of interference to reception of WOWT.[17]

KUCV's power expansion came at a time when the establishment of a state public radio network was under debate and opposed by commercial broadcasters. A representative of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) hailed the increase as the first step toward public radio in Nebraska,[18] which had only one NPR station: KIOS-FM in Omaha.[19] However, the CPB denied KUCV's first application for money, only awarding 14 grants of the 75 applications it had received that year.[20] During this time, KUCV began offering Radio Talking Book, the regional radio reading service based in Omaha, on its FM subcarrier.[21] Two years later, the CPB approved the station's application for a community service grant.[22] In the wake of that award, KUCV joined NPR in September 1982[23] and began broadcasting its programming at the end of January 1983.[24]

With the public radio plan of 1980 requiring state appropriation, a new plan was formulated in 1982 that contemplated the expansion of KUCV throughout the state by building new stations in the Tri-Cities, North Platte, Norfolk, and Scottsbluff; a possible station in Omaha; and an AM radio station in Lincoln to complement KUCV with an all-talk and information format.[25][26] The Lincoln AM station would have been on 1180 kHz, which was also sought by four other applicants including country musician Charlie Pride.[27] However, commercial broadcasters balked at making KUCV the key station in the network because it continued to offer some Adventist religious programs, filing an objection with the FCC.[28] Jack McBride, the head of Nebraska Educational Television (NETV), proposed a radio service utilizing the resources of the University of Nebraska system.[29]

Transfer to state ownership

In 1984, KUCV made a new public radio proposal under which a private, non-profit group would run the network to utilize KUCV as well as the NETV transmitter sites, which had been built with provision for FM facilities, and ideally one of the existing Omaha-area public stations.[30] However, later that year, the station's community advisory board opted to shift focus toward the long-range development of KUCV itself.[31] Facing a need to attract more funding, the board commissioned a study in March 1986 on possibly separating KUCV from Union College, which was facing declining enrollment and a reduction of students in Seventh-day Adventist high school academies.[32] That April, governor Bob Kerrey signed a bill authorizing the Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission (NETC), parent of NETV, to own public radio stations in areas previously without them, though no funding was provided;[33] in August, McBride proposed the idea of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln taking on KUCV to use as the base for its radio service.[34]

The Union College board approved the concept of transferring the KUCV license to community group in August 1986;[35] that fall, the college began discontinuing its financial subsidy of the station to redirect the money to academic programs; the community board was asked whether the station should be spun out to a community licensee or sold to the NETC. In May 1987, the board voted to endorse a sale to the state, citing the greater potential for long-term stability under state ownership; it stipulated that the station remain a predominantly classical music station.[36][37]

On June 8, 1988, the license was formally transferred to the Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission.[38] On September 30, the station moved out of the College View Public Library and to the NETC building on 33rd Street.[39] Several minor program changes resulted, most notably the removal of Saturday morning religious programming and a church service from the schedule.[40] In June 1989, the station's transmitter facility moved off the Union College campus and onto the tower of commercial station KTGL southeast of Hallam.[41]

Statewide expansion

Main article: Nebraska Public Media

The Public Radio Nebraska Foundation was formed after the license transfer to begin raising money in support of KUCV and the statewide expansion of public radio in Nebraska.[42] The first new transmitter, KTNE (91.1 FM) at Alliance, began broadcasting on May 3, 1990; the next day, KLNE (88.7 FM) was activated from Lexington.[43] Also built in 1990 were transmitters at Norfolk and Hastings, followed by Bassett, Chadron, Merriman, and North Platte in 1991.[44] The Chadron and Merriman transmitters opened on August 29, 1991, completing the network.[45]

In 2001, a new transmitter and antenna were installed, allowing the station to increase its power to 100,000 watts. In order to carry out the increase, KUCV moved to 91.1 MHz.[46]

References

  1. ^ a b "Union College to Begin FM Radio". Lincoln Sunday Journal and Star. Lincoln, Nebraska. October 22, 1967. p. 6B. Archived from the original on September 14, 2022. Retrieved September 14, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ^ "Facility Technical Data for KUCV". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  3. ^ "KVUC Operates On Union Campus". Lincoln Sunday Journal and Star. November 13, 1960. p. 14B. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ a b "Educational FM Station Sought By Union College". The Lincoln Star. March 2, 1967. p. 36. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ "On Air in Fall: College Gets FM Permit". Lincoln Sunday Journal and Star. May 14, 1967. p. 14F. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ Fisher, Ginny (January 7, 1968). "Information Net Has No Breakfast Club". Lincoln Sunday Journal and Star. p. 10F. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ a b "Union College Radio Station KUCV Expanding Though 'Not Recognized'". Lincoln Sunday Journal and Star. December 21, 1975. p. 6B. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ "New tower, $20,000 aid Union College KUCV radio". Lincoln Journal. April 11, 1977. p. 9. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ "YW, library, house named to historic places register". Lincoln Journal. August 6, 1984. p. 17. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ "Californian will manage Union radio". The Lincoln Star. November 4, 1977. p. 24. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ Kennedy, Jack (January 19, 1978). "KUCV manager plans full-spectrum fine arts station". Lincoln Journal. pp. 1, 10. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ "Station KUCV: Increase in power wanted". Lincoln Journal. May 12, 1978. p. 7. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ^ Kennedy, Jack (September 21, 1978). "Union radio gets a stronger voice". Lincoln Journal Star. p. 14. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ Becker, Bart (February 25, 1979). "Radio Radio". Lincoln Sunday Journal and Star. p. 12TV. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ "FCC approves KUCV radio's expansion plans". Lincoln Journal. June 23, 1979. p. 11. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ^ "Fine arts station increases power". The Lincoln Star. February 6, 1980. p. 40. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. ^ Kennedy, Jack (July 24, 1981). "Interference cited: FCC delays action on KZUM request". Lincoln Journal. p. 23. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  18. ^ Kennedy, Jack (February 21, 1980). "Public broadcaster praises KUCV as start toward public radio". Lincoln Journal. p. 7. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  19. ^ Meisenholder, David (February 21, 1980). "National public radio affiliation sought". The Lincoln Star. p. 4. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  20. ^ Kennedy, Jack (March 26, 1980). "Union College's KUCV loses first CPB expansion grant bid". Lincoln Journal Star. p. 45. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  21. ^ Piersol, Dick (October 28, 1981). "Radio Talking Book to be available locally". Lincoln Journal. p. 9. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 30, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  22. ^ Kennedy, Jack (July 11, 1982). "KUCV receives $30,000 community service grant". Lincoln Sunday Journal and Star. p. 6B. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  23. ^ Kennedy, Jack (September 20, 1982). "KUCV joins National Public Radio". Lincoln Journal Star. p. 5. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  24. ^ Meisenholder, David (January 27, 1983). "KUCV to introduce Lincoln to public radio shows". The Lincoln Star. p. 9. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. ^ Kennedy, Jack (September 14, 1982). "Public radio network plan given Union College board". Lincoln Journal. p. 16. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  26. ^ "KUCV board disapproves commercial opposition". Lincoln Journal. October 7, 1983. p. 26. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  27. ^ "Union College intends to seek AM radio license". Lincoln Journal. September 15, 1982. p. 18. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  28. ^ Miller, Jana (September 18, 1983). "Commercial broadcasters object to KUCV's religious programming: Statewide public radio net delayed". Lincoln Sunday Journal and Star. p. 11B. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  29. ^ "4-college radio net urged by ETV chief". Lincoln Sunday Journal and Star. September 18, 1983. p. 11B. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  30. ^ Bahr, Jeff (May 10, 1984). "KUCV has new plan for state public radio". The Lincoln Star. pp. 1, 9. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  31. ^ "KUCV to be first 24-hour public station in Nebraska". Lincoln Journal. November 9, 1984. p. 26. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  32. ^ "KUCV might be separated from college". Lincoln Journal Star. March 15, 1986. p. 6. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. ^ Bahr, Jeff (May 8, 1986). "Public radio network still years away". The Lincoln Star. p. 25. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  34. ^ "Transfer of KUCV to UNL proposed". The Lincoln Star. Associated Press. August 6, 1986. p. 18. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  35. ^ "Union College board will try to sell KUCV-FM". The Lincoln Star. August 21, 1986. p. 11. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  36. ^ "Fine Arts Radio board endorses license transfer of KUCV station". Lincoln Journal Star. May 28, 1987. p. 17. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  37. ^ Russo, Ed (October 25, 1987). "Major changes in works for KUCV". Lincoln Sunday Journal and Star. p. 3H. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  38. ^ Wolgamott, L. Kent (June 8, 1988). "KUCV license is transferred; network near". Lincoln Journal. pp. 1, 14. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  39. ^ "New surroundings". Lincoln Journal. September 30, 1988. p. 17. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  40. ^ Warren, Reid (October 20, 1988). "KUCV doing same old business at new address". The Lincoln Star. p. 13. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  41. ^ "New antenna increases KUCV broadcast area". Sunday Journal-Star. June 4, 1989. p. 5C. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  42. ^ "Fund drive set for public radio". Lincoln Journal Star. August 2, 1988. p. 7. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  43. ^ "Public radio switches on two stations". The Lincoln Star. May 3, 1990. p. 16. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  44. ^ Kenning, Linda (March 30, 1991). "Public radio to get louder voice in state". Lincoln Journal Star. pp. 1, 6. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  45. ^ Wolgamott, L. Kent (October 8, 1991). "Public radio network for state now reality". Lincoln Journal. p. 9. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  46. ^ Korbelik, Jeff (October 29, 2001). "KUCV set to move to its new frequency on Thursday". Lincoln Journal Star. p. 3D. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 29, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.

40°31′05″N 96°46′08″W / 40.518°N 96.769°W / 40.518; -96.769

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