As KRVN celebrates its 75th anniversary, the station along with the Nebraska Rural Radio Association, will receive recognition on the floor of the United States Senate Wednesday.
The remarks from Senator Pete Ricketts honored the unique legacy of a farmer-owned radio network that has served rural Nebraska since 1951.
“Our rural communities are safer and better informed. Today, KRVN is the flagship of the Rural Radio Network. It is the only farmer and regional news network in the country. Their founding doesn’t allow any of the old joint owners profit. Revenues are reinvested in the station and into educational, agricultural, education coverage. Unique ownership model and community commitment remain strong,” Sen Ricketts said.
He pointed out Nebraskans across generations can say they grew up with the voices of KRVN from dawn to dusk.
“The voices of radio legends like Dave Thorell kept Nebraskans company on long drives, and Jayson Jorgensen brings play by play coverage of local high school sports into our homes. Even amid unprecedented disaster, Nebraskans know we can rely on KRVN and life saving updates,” Ricketts said.
Founded by 4,719 farmers and ranchers who each invested $10 to create a stronger voice for agriculture, KRVN has grown from a single station in Lexington into the Rural Radio Network, while remaining true to its cooperative roots.
The Senate remarks highlighted the organization’s longstanding mission of serving agriculture and rural communities, as well as the contributions of individuals who helped shape that legacy.
For 75 years, KRVN has provided weather, markets, news, sports and community coverage to generations of listeners across Nebraska and beyond.
The recognition comes during KRVN’s diamond anniversary year, marking three-quarters of a century as the Rural Voice of Nebraska.