UNK Radio Station Rebrands as 'The Clear Alternative'

Student-run station upgrades equipment, expands programming to serve campus and community

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:38pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print of a vintage radio microphone repeated in a grid pattern, using a bold, neon color palette to transform the everyday object into a modern pop art piece.The rebranded UNK radio station, '91.1 The Clear Alternative,' aims to connect with a broader audience through its distinctive blend of music, news, and student-produced content.Kearney Today

The University of Nebraska at Kearney's student-run radio station, previously known as KLPR 91.1 FM, has rebranded as '91.1 The Clear Alternative.' The rebrand, led by station general manager Stephanie Sandlin and a team of UNK students, includes upgrades to industry-level equipment, a new logo, and an expanded focus on rock, indie, and Americana music alongside student-produced news, sports, and original programming. The changes aim to reach a broader audience beyond the campus while maintaining the station's core mission of providing hands-on learning opportunities for UNK students.

Why it matters

The rebranding of the UNK radio station, now known as '91.1 The Clear Alternative,' reflects the station's commitment to serving both the campus and surrounding community with a distinctive blend of music, news, and student-produced content. By upgrading equipment and expanding programming, the station is positioning itself to better connect with listeners and offer valuable real-world experience for the next generation of student broadcasters.

The details

The rebranding process was led by Stephanie Sandlin, the station's general manager and a lecturer in the UNK Department of Communication, along with a team of UNK students. This gave the students firsthand experience in marketing and community engagement. The rebrand included upgrades to industry-level equipment and a new logo designed by senior advertising and public relations major Rachel Ostdiek. The station now 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.

  • The rebranding of the station as '91.1 The Clear Alternative' occurred in April 2026.

The players

Stephanie Sandlin

The general manager of the UNK radio station and a lecturer in the UNK Department of Communication. She led the rebranding effort.

Mario Crispin

A senior journalism major from Lexington who serves as the community affairs/news director for the UNK radio station.

Elijah Moser

A senior from Columbus who serves as the operations manager for the UNK radio station. He played a significant role in the rebranding process.

Rachel Ostdiek

A senior in UNK's advertising and public relations program who designed the new logo for the rebranded radio station.

Alayna Bailey

A sophomore music business major from Lincoln who is the KLPR program director and contributes to the 'Theatre of the Mind' program.

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What they’re saying

“We're targeting an audience that perhaps is underserved by the commercial broadcasters and that allows us to focus on a niche.”

— Stephanie Sandlin, General Manager, UNK Radio Station

“We're beginning 'The Clear Era,' at least that's what we're calling it.”

— Elijah Moser, Operations Manager, UNK Radio Station

“I definitely won't leave here unprepared. I'm able to get that experience and learn what I should know for the industry right now.”

— Mario Crispin, Community Affairs/News Director, UNK Radio Station

“It's a different world for sure. 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.”

— Alayna Bailey, Program Director, UNK Radio Station

What’s next

The station plans to continue expanding its programming and community engagement efforts in the coming semesters, providing even more opportunities for UNK students to gain hands-on experience in broadcasting.

The takeaway

The rebranding of the UNK radio station as '91.1 The Clear Alternative' demonstrates the station's commitment to serving both the campus and surrounding community with a unique blend of music, news, and student-produced content. By upgrading equipment and expanding programming, the station is positioning itself as a valuable learning lab for the next generation of student broadcasters.