NRG Media closes on the sale of its Nebraska radio stations to local
operator Usher Media LLC. The deal includes news/talk KGFW-AM, Kearney and two music brands plus two other music FMs in Hastings and Grand Island. Usher Media is owned and operated by Alan Usher.
Connoisseur Media is both a buyer and a seller in news today. First, the company announces it is acquiring five radio signals in Nebraska from NRG Media. Those include news/talk KLIN-AM, Lincoln and its FM translator K257GN-FX and four music stations – three in Lincoln and one licensed to Milford, Nebraska. Connoisseur says the transaction is
pending regulatory approval by the FCC and is expected to close in summer of this year. Connoisseur CEO Jeff Warshaw states, “We are over the moon to be able to add these phenomenal properties and team to our company. This marriage will allow us to even better serve the community and our clients.” NRG Media CEO Mary Quass adds, “The Lincoln stations have been a very important part of our story, and we are pleased to pass them to Jeff and his team. Jeff is a broadcaster who shares our commitment to great local service, quality programming, and deep community connections!” At the same time, Connoisseur is entering into a deal with MSC Radio Group to sell its Topeka cluster that includes news/talk WIBW-AM and three music brands. About this sale, Jeff Warshaw says, “We’re incredibly proud of the impact these stations have had in Topeka and the connections they’ve built with listeners. As we continue to refine our portfolio, this agreement allows us to focus our resources on key growth markets while ensuring these stations are well-positioned for the future with KNZA. We’re confident they will continue their legacy of serving the community with a strong emphasis on local engagement, news, and partnerships.”
NGR Media LLC announces the sale of six of its stations in Nebraska to local operator Usher Media LLC. The signals are: news/talk KGFW-AM, CHR KQKY-FM, country KRNY-FM, and translator K241CN-FX, Kearney; classic rock KROR-FM, Hastings; and adult hits KSYZ-FM,
Grand Island. NRG CEO Mary Quass says, “We’re pleased to announce the sale of our 6 radio stations in Central Nebraska to Usher Media LLC, a respected local broadcaster. It’s been a privilege to serve this community with an exceptional team whose passion and commitment have made these stations a vital voice in the Kearney, Hastings and Grand Island markets. We are confident that Usher Media will build on that foundation and continue to serve listeners, advertisers, and the community with excellence.” Usher Media chief Alan Usher comments, “We are excited to announce the acquisition of six radio stations in Central Nebraska. As a locally owned and operated organization, raised in the Tri-Cities, this strategic move underscores our commitment to expanding our media presence while staying deeply connected to our roots. We are committed to being a community leader, championing local projects, and driving community growth. We look forward to providing comprehensive local news, weather, and sports coverage while fostering a vibrant and thriving community for all.”
iHeartMedia names Rhonda Gerrard area president for the Nebraska-Iowa Area putting her in charge of
radio stations in Omaha, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Ogallala, and Sioux City. Division president Shosh Abromovich says, “I am thrilled to announce Rhonda as our new area president. Her insightful knowledge of the industry, combined with her sharp skillsets, will undoubtedly drive our team’s growth and development throughout the Nebraska-Iowa Area and throughout iHeartMedia. Her fresh perspective and unwavering dedication to excellence will make her an invaluable asset to our community, our partners, and our listeners.”
NRG Media news/talk KLIN, Lincoln, Nebraska announces the addition of “Drive Time Nebraska” with host Doug Fitzgerald to the program schedule, airing from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm daily, effective Monday (4/8). This program replaces the program Dan Parsons hosted in the same slot for the past 10 months. Fitzgerald is an author, speaker, and CEO from Lincoln whose nationally syndicated weekend radio
show produced at KLIN is titled after is best-selling book, ONESHOT. ONELIFE. – The Ultimate Success Formula To Help You Win At Anything In Life (Morgan James Publishing, 2018). NRG general manager Ami Graham says, “Doug has been a friend of KLIN for years. During your drive home, Doug will tackle the issues that matter to our community through commentary, guests, and listener engagement. We are thrilled to have him on our airwaves every weekday.” Fitzgerald says, “I am excited and honored for the opportunity to serve Lincoln and Nebraska on such an iconic station as KLIN and during a time slot where great hosts have broadcast over the years. My vision is to address the cultural issues that impact our city and state through the lens of the values that make Nebraska ‘The Good Life.’ To me, ‘Drive Time Nebraska’ will be like taking a road trip with your family or good friends… having great conversations and fun, along with getting on each other’s nerves now and then. In the end, you still make it home together.”