NRG Media is selling its Omaha-area radio cluster to Usher Media. The transaction marks NRG Media's exit from the Omaha market (the 74th largest radio market in the US) and continues the company's recent downsizing strategy, which has involved multiple sales over the past year and a half.
Key Details of the Sale
Stations Involved: Usher Media is acquiring five stations from NRG Media's Omaha-Council Bluffs cluster:
- KQKQ-FM "Sweet 98.5" (Hot AC format, licensed to Council Bluffs, IA)
- KOZN-AM "1620 The Zone" (Sports talk, licensed to Bellevue, NE)
- KZOT-AM "Yacht Rock 1180" (Soft AC/retro format, licensed to Bellevue, NE)
- KOPW-FM "Power 106.9" (Rhythmic CHR, licensed to Plattsmouth, NE)
- KOIL-AM "NewsTalk 1290" (News/talk, licensed to Omaha, NE)
Separate Transaction: NRG's sixth Omaha-area station, KOOO-FM "101.9 The Keg" (Classic Alternative format, licensed to La Vista/Omaha, NE), is being sold to Nebraska Public Media, which plans to convert it to noncommercial public radio to expand its network into Nebraska's largest city.
Background on the Buyers and Seller:
- Usher Media Group is a Nebraska-based, locally owned radio company led by longtime broadcaster Alan Usher. This is their second recent acquisition from NRG: In November 2025 (or late 2024 in some references), they agreed to buy NRG's six-station cluster in Central Nebraska (Grand Island/Kearney/Tri-Cities area) for $3.75 million (that deal was pending FCC approval at the time of the Omaha announcement).
- NRG Media (led by Mary Quass) has owned these Omaha properties for about 16.5 years but has been actively divesting assets recently.
The Omaha deal expands Usher Media's footprint significantly in the market, with a focus on local ownership, community involvement, and supporting Nebraska businesses.
The sale was announced Monday with Kalil & Co. serving as the exclusive broker for the Usher transaction. Both deals (Omaha to Usher and the one station to Nebraska Public Media) are subject to FCC approval and other standard closing conditions.