Nebraska Public Media has signed on a new FM station in Columbus, the last of four new stations granted as a result of a 2021 filing window.
KUNE-FM/88.7 transmits with 4.1kW/211m (class C3) from a tower northwest of Columbus. It replaces K209FS/89.7 (Columbus), which has been operating at greatly-reduced power.
KUNE-FM had originally faced a March 1 construction deadline, which was extended to May 19. The station filed a license to cover application on May 13 indicating that KUNE-FM is operating pursuant to automatic program test authority.
Within the past year, Nebraska Public Media has also signed on KQNE-FM/89.9 (Falls City), KGNE-FM/89.3 (Broken Bow), and KNNE-FM/90.7 (McCook).
“This final installation in Columbus represents the culmination of a year-long effort to strengthen our radio network statewide,” said Stacey Decker, general manager/CEO of Nebraska Public Media, said in a news release.
“This series of upgrades affirms our commitment to ensure that every Nebraskan – no matter where they live – access to essential emergency information, alongside our trusted news, music and cultural programming,” Decker said.
Nebraska Public Media’s single-station network provides NPR to all of the state except Omaha, carrying a mix of news magazines and Classical music. HD2 channels air news programs during the day and Jazz at night.