TV, Radio and Online Services

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TV, Radio and Online Services NET is perhaps best known for its public television and radio services, with its online service also playing an important role. Through this package of public broadcasting services, NET provides Nebraskans with programs ranging from local and international breaking news to public affairs; varied entertainment, from the performing arts to sports; breakthroughs in science and the mysteries of nature; and opportunities for education and lifelong learning.

NET Television Approximately one million Nebraskans watch NET Television each week. NET Television is comprised of nine stations and 14 translators statewide and operates through a partnership between the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and the Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission (NETC). NET Television production units regularly produce quality programs for Nebraska and for distribution regionally and nationally. NET Television also acquires programming from PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) and other sources. Funding for NET Television comes from the state of Nebraska, the federal government, corporate and foundation grants and viewer contributions. NET Television has four digital broadcast services, including one high-definition broadcast signal:

NET1/NET-HD includes favorite PBS documentary, nature, performance and children’s programs, as well as NET Television’s award-winning, locally produced programming (seen in high-definition where available on NET-HD).

NET2 – from NET Television and PBS, NET2 World offers live coverage of the Nebraska Unicameral

along with news, public affairs, history and science programs.

NET3 – NET3 Create is a 24-hour channel featuring popular how-to, travel and lifestyle series.

Because of the federal government’s mandate that all U.S. television stations stop broadcasting in analog by February 17, 2009 (later changed to June 12, 2009), NET Television transitioned to digital-only broadcast between September 2008 and February 2009. The nine NET Television digital channels are: KTNE/Alliance (13), KMNE/Bassett (7), KHNE/Hastings (28), KLNE/Lexington (26), KUON/Lincoln (12), KRNE/Merriman (12), KXNE/Norfolk (19), KPNE/North Platte (9) and KYNE/Omaha (17).

NET Radio Approximately 90,000 listeners tune in to NET Radio each week from across the state for the latest news, weather, music and discussion. NET Radio is comprised of nine stations in Lincoln, Alliance, Hastings, Bassett, Chadron, Lexington, Merriman, Norfolk and North Platte, with five translators serving the Columbus, Culbertson, Falls City, Max and Harrison areas. NET Radio broadcasts classical and jazz music, news and entertainment shows. Local programming is blended with programs acquired from NPR (National Public Radio), PRI (Public Radio International) and APM (American Public Media). Funding for NET Radio comes from the state of Nebraska, the federal government, business underwriting and listener contributions.

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NET Radio has two HD channels. HD Radio allows stations to broadcast digital audio, multiple program streams and traditional FM, all on the same frequency. The first channel is a simulcast of the main service – classical music and news. In May 2009, NET Radio added another HD channel, called HD-2, which features NPR news and talk programs during the day and jazz at night. It is available to anyone with an Internet connection at netNebraska.org/radio and can be heard over-the-air with an HD Radio. NET Radio programming can also be accessed via the free NET Radio App, available in the Apple and Android markets (see below under “Web/Social Media” for additional non-broadcast ways to access NET Radio programming).

Web/Social Media NET’s website (netNebraska.org) provides information about NET’s many services and is visited more than 2.1 million times per year, averaging just over 700,000 unique visitors per year. Visitors to the site can learn more about NET Television, NET Radio, Learning Services, Technology Services, the NET Foundation for Television and the NET Foundation for Radio. Visitors can also purchase DVDs, videos, CDs and other program-related products, sign up for free e-newsletters and contribute to the NET Foundations for Television and Radio via the website. NET will launch a new content management platform in the summer of 2012 to leverage independent publishing of content to the website.

Streaming NET provides live streaming of NET Radio programming, as well as many locally produced television specials and sports events. Additionally, NET provides live streaming from 11 different state government venues, including the main legislative chamber, seven committee hearing rooms, the Nebraska Supreme Court, the Nebraska Appellate Court and the Governor’s hearing room. The live streaming allows Internet access at any speed. DSL or cable-modem users can access a high-bandwidth feed; low-bandwidth and audio-only feeds are available for those using dial-up modems. Cameras installed in the State Capitol building provide broadcast-quality digital images and audio for “Nebraska Capitol Live.” This live streaming – as well as live gavel-to-gavel coverage on NET Television – has greatly expanded Nebraskans’ access to their government. During the 2012 Legislative session more than 32,000 streaming requests were made, totaling more than 2 million minutes.

Social Media NET has also expanded into social media to serve non-traditional audiences:

NET Television’s YouTube channel (youtube.com/netnebraska) has more than 225 videos online which have been watched more than 480,000 times.

NET, “Big Red Wrap-Up” and NET News have Twitter accounts to keep viewers informed

of special programs and events. More than 5,500 people follow NET on Twitter.

NET Sports, NET Radio, NET News and “Big Red Wrap-Up” have Facebook accounts totaling more than 12,000 fans.

NET’s podcasts, available over both iTunes, ITunesU and at netnebraska.org/podcasts

average more than 20,000 downloads each month.

NET News has created a Tumblr blog (netnewsnebraska.tumblr.com) giving Nebraskans

a unique way to view and share news from around the state.

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Services for Audiences with Special Needs Descriptive Video Service: Descriptive video service (DVS) allows visually impaired audiences to access the visual portions of a television program through a carefully scripted spoken description of the scene’s visual elements, such as an actor’s movements or facial expressions. Audiences access DVS by activating the second audio programming (SAP) feature on newer televisions.

Radio Talking Book: Radio Talking Book Service, Inc., is an Omaha-based nonprofit organization that broadcasts nearly 5,000 hours of audio books, magazines and newspapers to visually impaired Nebraskans each year. Following the transition from analog to digital transmission, in spring 2009 the Radio Talking Book Network was converted from NET Television’s second audio program (SAP) channel to the NET FM radio network. To access the FM side band channels, people interested in using the service need a special radio, which the Radio Talking Book Network supplies free of charge. Details can be found on rtbs.org or by calling 800.729.7826.

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Learning (Educational) Services

When NET began as a tiny television station in 1954, its mission was to enhance the educational experiences of students in the KUON (Lincoln) viewing area. While the essence of that mission still holds true, the ways in which NET provides educational content has changed dramatically in recent years. Digital technology has enabled us to provide educational resources anytime, anywhere to learners across the entire age spectrum and to the far-reaching corners of Nebraska…and beyond.

Interactive and Educational Media NET produces interactive educational media and websites for clients that include University of Nebraska departments, state agencies and other nonprofit and educational institutions. The following are a few of NET’s recent and ongoing multimedia projects.

Basic Inspector Training Course for the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality is designed for new inspectors, supervisors and other staff who might deal with NDEQ inspections and is intended to provide users with the tools needed to carry out legally and technically correct inspections in a thorough, consistent and professional manner. Topics covered include inspection planning, entry authority, the opening conference, site tours, on-site data-gathering and documentation, interviewing, on-site records review, the closing conference and/or exit interview, inspection reports and enforcement.

Nebraska Collegiate Consortium Website to Reduce High-Risk Drinking (a collaborative

partnership between the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles’ Highway Safety and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Nebraska Prevention Center for Alcohol and Drug Abuse) offers discussion boards, skill-building activities, resources and news to its member institutions, 19 colleges and universities across Nebraska. The latest module, “Power of Parenting,” provides valuable information and resources that help parents communicate with their children about the dangers of alcohol abuse.

Custodial Training for UNL Facilities Management and Planning extracts content from the UNL

Custodial Manual to an interactive, flash-based website. The site allows new hires and current employees to test their knowledge of custodial guidelines, practices and safety regulations in a web-based format. The website incorporates UNL’s blackboard environment as a testing module for the training program.

Responsible Conduct for Research for the UNL Office of Graduate Studies addresses the issues

of research misconduct, appropriate authorship designation and conflicts of interest through the use of video vignettes. A collaborative effort between three University of Nebraska-Lincoln departments (Graduate Studies, NET Television and the Johnny Carson School of Theatre Arts), the website contains short dramatic vignettes accompanied by a guidebook and web-based educational resources.

The Nebraska Studies website (nebraskastudies.org) offers teachers, students and history buffs access to archival photos, documents, letters, video segments, maps and more – capturing the life and history of Nebraska from pre-1500 to the present. Initiated in 2000 as a partnership between NET, the Nebraska State Historical Society and the State Department of Education, Nebraska Studies is a window into day-to-day living across the centuries within the context of larger historical events. In the 2011-2012 school year, nebraskastudies.org was visited more than 780,000 times by more than 500,000 unique visitors.

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Career Readiness for the Nebraska Departments of Labor and Education is a 12 module, interactive learning website geared toward preparing graduating high school students and adult workers for the world of work. Modules include video, interactive exercises and lesson plans for teachers.

Parents Forever for the University of Nebraska Lincoln’s Extension Service is a website consisting of slides and interactions to assist families going through the traumatic experience of divorce.

P-16 Education and Lifelong Learning

NET enjoys a rich and productive partnership with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Hixon-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. NET producers and other staff members work with an average of 12 UNL student interns every year, offering valuable real work experience in media production.

The University’s College of Journalism and Mass Communication makes use of NET’s state-of-the art production and studio space by teaching two sessions of its Television Production class.

As one of four members of the Nebraska Virtual Partnership, NET has brought on-line a digital repository containing over 17,000 media assets for use by teachers and students as a part of Governor Dave Heineman’s initiative to create a statewide virtual school.

NET partners with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) to provide meeting space and web streaming of classes.

Community Engagement and Outreach In the fall of 2011, NET’s Community Engagement unit joined NET’s Learning (Educational) Services and is now known as Community Engagement and Educational Outreach (CEEO). It remains a key component that sets NET apart from its commercial television and radio counterparts. However, CEEO now has a greater focus on education, and during the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012, the unit began to develop stronger ties with Nebraska Educational community. CEEO has used its role as a community convener to extend the impact of NET’s television and radio broadcasts by providing access to educational materials and collaborative activities. Through its educational efforts in partnership with other statewide community organizations, CEEO has continued to cement its role as a conduit for connecting viewers, listeners and online visitors to statewide service resources, foster community participation and raise awareness about issues affecting Nebraskans. A total of 15 outreach projects were completed during the 2012 fiscal year (July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012). Activities were service-directed with long-range implications for growth and community impact. Topics were related to social justice, drop-out prevention, disabilities, global initiatives, urban development, preserving historical legacies, discrimination, immigration, teacher education and issues concerning Nebraska’s returning veterans.

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The following are just two of NET’s recent and ongoing Community Engagement and Educational Outreach projects:

The State of Education in Nebraska brought together experts in the field of education to discuss the problem of high school dropouts and what is being done to help keep youth in school. Broadcast statewide, discussions centered on early intervention, school and community partnerships, parent engagement and business involvement.

Coffee and Conversation in the Community presented free screenings of films on topical issues

and then engaged the audience in discussions lead by subject matter experts. Presented in collaboration with Independent Television Service (ITVS), screenings included “Pray the Devil Back to Hell” (the story of Liberian women who took on a dictator and brokered peace for their war-torn country), “Deaf Jam (the story of a deaf teenager competing in a National Poetry Slam) and “Hell and Back” (the Oscar-nominated film about a U.S. Marine’s painful trip back to a normal life after returning wounded from Afghanistan). This year Coffee and Conversation gained a new partner in KZUM Radio and is looking forward to a collaborative partnership with the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center in the fall of 2012.

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Technology Services

NET’s transmission capabilities make possible a full range of continuing education services for Nebraska’s elementary and high school students, community and state college faculty and students, users of UNL’s outreach services (including the Cooperative Extension Service), employees of Nebraska’s business and industry sector and government agencies.

NET*SAT NET*SAT (formerly known as NEB*SAT) is Nebraska’s satellite and optical fiber educational telecommunications network. Broadcast Service: Network 1: NET*SAT’s primary function is to deliver programming from KUON-TV

and KUCV-FM in Lincoln to NET Television and NET Radio transmitters around the state. Web Streaming: NET provides web streaming of locally produced programming such as “Big Red

Wrap-Up,” “Backyard Farmer,” live sports events and legislative coverage (see Online Services section for more information). NET Technology Services also provides contracted streaming services to outside clients.

Satellite Uplinking & Downlinking Services NET simultaneously sends and receives satellite transmissions for the region and the nation, including the origination of satellite transmissions for PBS and commercial clients such as ESPN, CNN, ABC, CBS and NBC. NET has full KU or C band uplink capabilities from headquarters in Lincoln, and is also capable of establishing fiber video distribution and receives systems using Network Nebraska. NET production facilities include a 39-foot HD satellite uplink truck capable of HD/SD microwave or uplinks. This unit includes a production package with three switchable SD cameras, graphics and audio.

Nebraska Videoconferencing Network (NVCN) The Nebraska Office of the Chief Information Officer contracts with NET to administer and maintain the Nebraska Videoconferencing Network (NVCN), a videoconferencing service that enables clients across the state and nation to “gather” via video and audio to conduct meetings, hearings, training sessions and discussions. Meeting attendees can participate at various public sites in Ainsworth, Alliance, Beatrice, Chadron, Columbus, Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney, Lincoln, McCook, Norfolk, North Platte, Omaha, O’Neill, Scottsbluff, Sidney, Wayne and Valentine.

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Digital Asset Management NET hosts a digital assessment management platform (DAM) that is a primary repository for content produced by NET and other related entities. This system is comprised of networked storage, digital media publishing software and a user-friendly contribution system whereby public and educational entities can submit and manage content. The NET Educational and Public Media Archive’s intended beneficiaries are Nebraskans who need access to content produced by local, state, educational and non-profit institutions. NET has a wealth of assets already stored and tracked by this system.

Government Services NET provides technology consultation and design assistance to various agencies and departments of state and local government. This includes classroom/presentation room design, assessment of streaming opportunities, assistance with installation and training and recommending technology solutions for specific situations.

Miscellaneous Transmission Services NET provides closed circuit television services to a variety of users, including faculty, staff and students of the University of Nebraska system, the Nebraska State Office Building and the Nebraska State Capitol and Legislature.

All NET Television and NET Radio stations (including KIOS in Omaha) are designated as state relay stations (SR) with KUON-TV (Lincoln) serving as the state primary station (SP) as designated by the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). NEMA, in accordance with the State of Nebraska Emergency Alert State Plan, notifies NET as to when the test or actual alert will be announced. NET also serves as back-up for the National Weather Service in issuing Amber Alerts.