The Voice Of Lincoln: 7 Shocking Facts About KLIN Radio, Nebraska's News/Talk Powerhouse

For decades, KLIN Radio has been an indispensable part of the Nebraska media landscape, cementing its status as "The Voice of Lincoln." As of December 21, 2025, the station continues its reign as the No. 1 News/Talk outlet in the Lincoln metropolitan area, delivering a fresh and unique blend of hyper-local coverage, engaging community discussions, and top-tier national syndicated programming. This deep dive uncovers the station’s rich history, its current ownership structure under NRG Media, and the key personalities and programs that keep listeners tuning in to 1400 AM and 99.3 FM every day. The station’s commitment to providing up-to-the-minute news, especially concerning local politics, economic updates, and the beloved Husker sports, ensures its relevance remains paramount in the Lancaster County community. From its humble beginnings in the 1940s to its modern-day digital footprint, KLIN is a prime example of a local radio station successfully adapting to the ever-evolving demands of the 21st-century media consumer.

The Unwavering Legacy: KLIN's History and Ownership

KLIN’s roots run deep, tracing back to the post-World War II era of American broadcasting. This cornerstone of Lincoln’s airwaves has a fascinating history of transformation and dedication to local service.

From KOLN to KLIN: The 1946 Origin Story

The station first signed on the air in September 1946, not as KLIN, but as KOLN radio. Although it was not Lincoln's very first radio station, its launch initiated significant changes in the local media landscape. The station operated under its original call letters for nearly a decade before a pivotal change. In June 1955, the station was sold, and the call letters officially changed from KOLN to KLIN. The new owner, Robert W. Frudger of Galesburg, Illinois, purchased the station for $120,000, signaling a new era. Following the sale, the studios relocated to the Sharp Building in downtown Lincoln, Nebraska.

Ownership and Sister Stations Under NRG Media

Today, KLIN (1400 kHz) is a commercial AM radio station licensed to Lincoln, Nebraska, and is a key asset of NRG Media. NRG Media is known for its dedication to providing Great Local Radio and being an active and integral part of the communities it serves across the Midwest. KLIN is part of a cluster of five radio stations operated by NRG Media Lincoln. This group includes other popular local outlets, such as:

• KBBK-FM (B107.3), branded as Lincoln's #1 At Work Station.
• KFGE-FM (Froggy 98), a popular country music station.
• KLNC-FM (RED 94.5), which focuses on new music.
• KBBK-FM HD2 (a digital subchannel).

This multi-station operation allows NRG Media to dominate the Lincoln metropolitan area market, providing diverse content from news/talk to country and contemporary hits.

The Powerhouse Programming: Local Voices and National Giants

KLIN’s success as the No. 1 News/Talk station in Lincoln is built on a carefully curated program schedule that balances essential local content with nationally recognized conservative talk show hosts. The station is the definitive source for breaking news and community discussion.

LNK Today with Jack and Friends

The anchor of KLIN's weekday lineup is the morning drive show, "LNK Today with Jack and Friends," which runs from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. The show is hosted by Jack Mitchell, a prominent local figure who grew up in Lincoln, graduated from Lincoln East High, and earned a Law degree from the University of Nebraska. Mitchell’s deep local ties and legal background provide insightful commentary on local politics, community leaders, and the latest developments in Lancaster County. Regular segments like the "Grow Lincoln" update focus on economic news and local business openings, connecting listeners directly to the city's pulse.

The Syndicated Star Power

KLIN supplements its local programming with some of the biggest names in talk radio, ensuring its appeal to a broad audience. Key national programs include:

• The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show: A popular three-hour talk radio program that airs nationwide.
• The Sean Hannity Show: The highly-rated, long-running program provides conservative commentary on national affairs.

This combination of local and national talent is what makes KLIN the station where Lincoln turns for breaking news and a place to talk about it.

The Voice of Husker Sports

One of KLIN’s most cherished roles is its status as the radio home for Husker sports. The station broadcasts Nebraska Football games, Nebrasketball matchups, and other key athletic events, solidifying its identity as "The Voice of Lincoln" for sports fans. The KLIN Husker Hour Podcast provides ongoing analysis and updates, keeping the connection to the University of Nebraska athletics strong year-round. Legendary figures like the late Bob Zenner, a sportscaster for both KLIN Radio and KOLN TV in the late 1950s and 1960s, helped establish this strong tradition of sports coverage.

Beyond the Airwaves: KLIN's Digital Presence and Community Role

In the modern media landscape, a station's influence extends far beyond its AM and FM frequencies. KLIN has embraced digital platforms to ensure its news and community engagement are accessible anywhere, anytime.

Current Digital and Podcast Initiatives

KLIN’s website and digital channels showcase its commitment to continuous, fresh content. The station offers live streaming of its 1400 AM and 99.3 FM broadcasts, along with a robust library of podcasts. Recent digital updates, as current as late 2024 and early 2025, show the station’s forward-looking approach, with podcast archives discussing events like the Pinstripe Party and local news featuring guests like Greg Sharpe and the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. The station also provides continuous FOX News Updates and local breaking news alerts. The station actively engages listeners with unique, recurring segments. "Request Line Friday," for instance, showcases a fun, seasonal approach to programming, with recent themes like "Christmas Songs You Love to Hate" and "Underrated, Underplayed, Deep Cut Christmas" demonstrating a willingness to connect with the audience on a personal level.

Revamped Weekend Lineup and Future Focus

To maintain its dominant position, KLIN is constantly evolving its programming. The station notably revamped its weekend lineup at the beginning of 2022, introducing several new shows in the overnight and daytime hours to provide more diverse content during non-peak times. This continuous attention to program quality and variety ensures that KLIN remains a relevant and engaging source of information 24/7. By blending its rich history (dating back to the KOLN days and the ownership of Norton Warner) with a focus on contemporary issues and digital accessibility, KLIN Radio remains a powerful force in Nebraska media. Its success is a testament to the value of local radio that prioritizes community news, spirited discussion, and the passion of Husker sports.

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