Usher Media has announced plans to buy most of NRG Media’s radio group in Omaha as NRG sells another station to a separate buyer.
Usher is buying “Sweet 98.5” (KQKQ Council Bluffs), “Power 106.9” (KOPW Plattsmouth), “Yacht Rock 1180” (KZOT Bellevue), News/Talker KOIL/1290 (Omaha), and Sports-formatted “1620 The Zone” (KOZN Bellevue).
The deal was announced Feb. 2. An FCC application to transfer the licenses, filed Feb. 4, indicates Usher began operating the stations that day under a local marketing agreement.
The purchase price is $2.15 million, according to an asset purchase agreement filed with the FCC.
“We believe in Nebraska, we believe in Omaha, and we believe local radio should lead — not follow,” said Alan Usher, CEO and owner of Usher Media Group, in the news release. “This investment reinforces our commitment to strong community ties, local leadership, and meaningful support for Nebraska businesses.”
The news release said Usher will prioritize local programming, community engagement, and partnerships with businesses.
Usher Media LLC is also in the process of buying five stations in the Tri-Cities from NRG.
As reported separately, NRG is also selling “101.9 The Keg” (KOOO La Vista) to Nebraska Public Media. It sold KMMQ/1020 (Plattsmouth) to Muñoz Media last year.
NRG retains a group in Lincoln as well as stations in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
Other commercial radio groups in Omaha include Flood Communications, iHeartMedia, SummitMedia, and Walnut Radio.