OMAHA, Neb. — MavRadio.FM, the student-run radio station at the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s School of Communication, celebrated Earth Day’s 55th anniversary with a live broadcast on Tuesday, April 22, reflecting on both local and global environmental efforts.
First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day has grown into the world’s largest environmental movement, with over a billion people worldwide now participating each year. The MavRadio broadcast honored this global momentum by spotlighting the impact of environmental activism both in Omaha and around the world through storytelling, interviews, environmental facts, and themed music.
Hosted by Bayleigh Koch, Denise Valdez-Alvarez, and Myah French, the student-produced program highlighted the importance of environmental education and youth leadership. Koch said the experience was deeply meaningful to her: “Our Earth Day broadcast was a fun show with exciting interviews and stories. Being a part of this broadcast was important to me because I enjoyed sharing what is happening in our community to make a change.”
Segments featured stories from Omaha’s community gardens, conversations with local environmental advocates, and creative insights into how young voices are shaping the conversation around sustainability. Valdez-Alvarez emphasized the personal impact the project had on her. “Being a part of this broadcast taught me so many new ways that I could make a change for our environment,” she said. “As the upcoming generation to take on leadership positions, it’s important that we educate ourselves and learn about the different ways we can help out our community and our home.”
French also reflected on the experience, noting the power of community connection. “Being a part of this broadcast was a special way to connect with my community as well as learn about many ways that I can make an impact on our Earth,” she said. “I’m proud to share it with others and protect our home.”
Jodeane Brownlee, MavRadio’s general manager, praised the broadcast as an important milestone for student media. “This was a new and fresh take on a live broadcast that means so much to this generation of storytellers,” Brownlee said. “It’s more than just a show—it’s an opportunity to inspire action and highlight the power of student media.”
Listeners tuned in live on MavRadio.FM and streamed the show online, joining a growing global celebration focused on protecting the planet for future generations.
