RICKETTS ON THE SENATE FLOOR: Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of KRVN
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) celebrated KRVN’s 75th anniversary. KRVN is the Rural Voice of Nebraska. It is also the only farmer- and rancher-owned radio station in America.
“75 years ago, the Rural Voice of Nebraska first made its debut on the air. Broadcasting from Lexington, Nebraska farm families officially had a voice – KRVN,” Ricketts said. “We now have Nebraskans from multiple generations who can say they grew up with the voices of KRVN from dawn to dusk…KRVN was a necessity at its origin, and it remains a necessity today. Thank you to our farmers and ranchers who have made KRVN possible.”
Watch the full video here.
TRANSCRIPT:
Senator Ricketts: “75 years ago, the voice of rural Nebraska made its debut on air.
“Broadcasting from Lexington, Nebraska, farm families officially had a voice — KRVN.
“KRVN doesn’t just cover rural Nebraska, though — it belongs to rural Nebraska.
“The station started out of necessity.
“Blizzards in the winters of 1948 and 1949 killed farmers and ranchers.
“Livestock and crops were lost, causing economic hardship.
“Women and children were left worrying about their husbands and dads.
“Farming and ranching families were also struggling to get relevant news and government updates.
“Our agricultural communities were facing a bleak reality.
“Timely, life-saving information was nearly impossible to come by.
“An industry that moves at the speed of information, and this was unacceptable.
“Agricultural economist and cooperative leader Max Brown had an idea.
“Max believed he could organize rural Nebraskans to fill the need.
“He envisioned a farmer- and rancher-owned public service platform for agriculture, weather, markets, and rural education.
“This idea was untested and widely doubted.
“Despite this, 4,719 farmers and ranchers each bought a $10 share to become owners of KRVN, and on February 1, 1951, KRVN had its first broadcast.
“From this humble beginning, the station grew.
“Max hired well, mentored his staff, and ensured everyone knew KRVN’s mission.
“Max’s vision continued through the stewardship of his son, Eric — whom I knew when he worked at KRVN — and folks like Otto Geiger.
“Otto served for more than 30 years on the Rural Radio Association board.
“They both guided the station through agricultural and media change while preserving the farmer-owned identity.
“Since its beginning, rural Nebraskans have received the info they need, when they need it.
“Our rural communities are safer and better informed.
“Today, KRVN is the flagship of the Rural Radio Network.
“It is the only farmer- and rancher-owned news network in the country.
“Their founding charter doesn’t allow any of the joint owners profit.
“Revenues are reinvested in the station and into agricultural education.
“KRVN’s unique ownership model and community commitment remain strong.
“We now have Nebraskans from multiple generations who 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 Jason 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 for life-saving updates.
“Their coverage has included special wildfire broadcasts to help ranchers recover and find resources for rebuilding.
“They have kept us informed on state politics and ag markets, and they kept us prepared during disasters.
“Over the last 75 years, KRVN has kept public service at the core of its work.
“Over the last 75 years, KRVN has been there for Nebraskans — and the need for KRVN still remains.
“AM radio stations in Nebraska and around the country are still the lifeblood of rural communities.
“In the Senate, I am working to preserve this important service.
“Every vehicle sold in the U.S. should be equipped with AM broadcast radio at no charge — in Nebraska, we know this is common sense.
“My AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act would do that.
“KRVN was a necessity at its origin, and it remains a necessity today.
“Thank you to our farmers and ranchers who have made KRVN possible.
“I look forward to KRVN’s next 75 years.”