Lincoln & Hastings-Kearney, Nebraska Media Landscape Overview

This Nebraska DMA spans government, universities, agriculture, and manufacturing. Stations emphasize severe weather, transportation, education, and local sports for OTA, cable, and CTV audiences across cities and rural corridors.

Media Ownership & Regulation

Network affiliates and subchannels operate alongside PBS and public radio. EAS readiness and interagency coordination support tornado, flood, and winter‑storm alerts.

FCC spectrum and translator policies enable rural reach; civic groups and universities collaborate on public‑service and educational programming.

Digital Transformation & Connectivity

Stations simulcast newscasts on apps and YouTube; newsletters and push alerts serve commuters, students, and shift workers.

Broadband projects extend access across towns and farm areas; libraries and campuses expand media literacy and device access.

Leading Television Channels

• ABC affiliate: Local news, weather, and investigations.
• CBS affiliate: Breaking news, specials, and sports.
• NBC affiliate: Morning shows, consumer reporting, and alerts.
• FOX affiliate: NFL, entertainment, and local updates.
• PBS member: Educational and cultural programming.
• The CW/MyNetworkTV: Syndicated series and local features.
• Telemundo/Univision (regional): Spanish‑language news and variety.
• Ion/MeTV (subchannels): Procedurals and classic TV.
• Weather subchannels: Continuous forecasts and alerts.
• Local access: Public meetings and community programming.

Major Radio Broadcasting Networks

• NPR member station: News/talk with statewide coverage.
• All‑news/Traffic/Weather: Headlines, commute, and alerts.
• Country: Local personalities and promotions.
• Top 40/CHR: Contemporary hits and contests.
• Adult Contemporary: Workplace‑friendly playlists.
• Classic Rock: Catalog programming and features.
• Sports: Talk and play‑by‑play from networks.
• Faith/Inspirational: Religious programming and services.
• Spanish‑language (regional): News, music, and outreach.
• Public safety/NOAA: Weather and emergency bulletins.

Media Consumption Patterns & Audience Behavior

Digital Engagement

CTV and social video extend reach beyond prime time; push alerts support commuters and storm readiness.

Institutions use Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for events, safety, and services.

Traditional Habits

OTA TV and radio remain central for severe weather, high school/college sports, and civic coverage. Drive‑time radio retains loyalty across highways.

Public media and weeklies provide hyperlocal reporting and explainers.

Market Metrics & Industry Statistics

Media Trust & Consumer Preferences

Trust Landscape

Meteorology, investigative units, and public media explainers rank highly; bilingual and plain‑language updates broaden access.

Transparency and community engagement strengthen trust during storms and elections.

Audience Preferences

Weather, local sports, true‑crime, and lifestyle perform well. Short‑form updates and emergency alerts drive engagement.

Streaming replays and newsletters complement linear schedules.

Sources

• https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/report/2024/dma-rankings/
• https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/the-gauge/
• https://www.weather.gov/