While the commercial radio menu leans to blow-hard hosts and pop heavy rotations, public radio's soothing sounds and erudite musings cut through the clutter. KVNO 90.7 FM further stands out for its all-classical play lists and original local newscasts. The UNO-based independent celebrates 40 years on-air in 2012, an impressive feat considering its niche appeal as a commercial-free operation dependent on donor support for survival. The professionally-staffed station maintains high quality. The news division particularly serves as a real-world training ground for students. KVNO long ago opted to be the master of its own content. "KVNO's programming is indeed unique among independent classical stations across the country," says general manager and mid-day-midnight host Dana Buckingham. "KVNO has developed our own blend of classical music programming format that works well for us and the market we serve. "Many traditional classical stations stick to a rigid programming formula that rarely deviates from the standard playbook of the 'tried and true' classics. This homogenized classical programming format almost never crosses over into more contemporary classical, vocal or film music. At KVNO we cross that line almost every hour and our listeners love it." Michael Hilt, who as UNO Associate Dean for the College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media oversees KVNO, sees value in personally crafting the program day. “I think more and more you're seeing stations going to services that provide the music. They may program part of their broadcast day but not all of it. We have a music director who works with the general manager on programming the music 24/7." Audience feedback is considered in programming decisions, officials note. Buckingham says a "renewed commitment" to news and public affairs has netted award-winning results. "I am very proud of the achievements our talented news team has made. News director Robyn Wisch is a true professional and a great resource and mentor for our students." He says where KVNO once "sought to distance itself" from the university, "no more,” adding, “We are the broadcasting voice of the University of Nebraska Omaha and proud of it." Hilt says the station maintains autonomy though. “The university lets us do what we do. Sometimes there are things we do they love and then there are other times when they say,' Gee, we wish you hadn't done that.' Is there any censorship or editorial control? No."

read more: Omaha’s KVNO 90.7 FM Turns 40: Commercial-Free Public Radio Station Serves the Community, All Classical Music and Local News Content Set it Apart