By HEIDI KNAKE
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – KLPR 91.1 FM isn’t your average radio station. Now, it has a new identity to match that message.
The University of Nebraska at Kearney’s student-run station recently rebranded as “The Clear Alternative” for campus and the surrounding community. This change highlights both the station’s distinctive sound and its role as a hands-on learning lab for UNK students.
For more than 40 years, students have powered the campus radio station, sharing their passion for music, news, sports and entertainment from a studio that’s currently located inside the newly renovated Calvin T. Ryan Library.
Now known as 91.1 The Clear Alternative, the station features rock, indie and Americana music alongside student-produced news, UNK Athletics broadcasts and original programming such as “Theatre of the Mind,” a storytelling show performed by student voice actors.
“That’s why we chose the new brand,” said Stephanie Sandlin, the station’s general manager and a lecturer in the UNK Department of Communication. “We’re targeting an audience that perhaps is underserved by the commercial broadcasters and that allows us to focus on a niche.”
The rebrand was led by Sandlin and a team of UNK students, giving them firsthand experience in marketing and community engagement. It also included upgrades to industry-level equipment and a new logo designed by Grand Island native Rachel Ostdiek, a senior in UNK’s advertising and public relations program.
Elijah Moser, a senior from Columbus, serves as the station’s operations manager. He played a significant part in the rebrand and can already feel a shift in the station’s culture and identity.
“We’re beginning ‘The Clear Era,’” said Moser, who’s studying journalism and sports communication. “At least that’s what we’re calling it.”
Turning experience into opportunity
While the rebrand is designed to reach more listeners beyond campus, the station’s core mission remains unchanged: student success.
“We are an educational facility first,” Sandlin said. “Our No. 1 priority is preparing students for the industry.”
That starts with getting them on air as soon as their first semester, providing ample time to develop their voice, build confidence and gain real-world experience before graduation.
These opportunities have been invaluable for senior Mario Crispin, a journalism major from Lexington.
“I definitely won’t leave here unprepared,” he said. “I’m able to get that experience and learn what I should know for the industry right now.”
Crispin has been involved with KLPR for two years, currently serving as the community affairs/news director. He recently completed an internship at Lexington-based KRVN, applying the skills he developed on campus in a professional setting.
“The station has opened a lot of doors that I didn’t know were possible for a college student,” Crispin said. “I want to leave the same opportunities and open doors for other students.”
Moser also has experience in the industry. In addition to his on-campus position, he’s part of the sports staff for News Channel Nebraska, working on air and behind the scenes during televised events. He has play-by-play and production roles with ESPN Tri-Cities, 98.9 The Vibe and KHAS Radio, as well.
Echoing Crispin’s goal of opening doors for others, Moser sees even greater possibilities for future students.
“I think they’ll have even more opportunities than we have,” he said.
The radio station is drawing interest from students across campus, including sophomore music business major Alayna Bailey of Lincoln.
“It’s a different world for sure,” she said. “But I love it. It’s super fun. And it’s helpful for me even if I don’t go into radio in the future.”
Bailey is the KLPR program director and she contributes to “Theatre of the Mind.” She expects to take on an expanded leadership role after Moser graduates next year.
Connecting campus and community
For listeners, the rebranded station offers something for everyone, from storytelling to the area’s largest music library.
“Whenever I’m driving in town, I’m always tuned in to 91.1 The Clear Alternative,” Moser said. “I never really know what’s going to come up next on the station, but usually I’m going to enjoy it.”
Along with this unique blend of music, the station offers a true glimpse into Loper life through campus news updates, event coverage and exclusive interviews with UNK faculty, staff and students.
The Clear Alternative is available at 91.1 FM and through the TuneIn Radio streaming platform.
