The University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications partnered with KLKN-TV to host the Lincoln Mayoral Debate on April 23, 2023, between current Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and former Nebraska State Sen. Suzanne Geist.
The debate was held in the Don and Lorena Meier Studio in Harold and Marian Andersen Hall on UNL’s city campus. The event was a great opportunity for students to get involved and assist with the production. UNL CoJMC students contributed their skills and knowledge to help make the debate a success.
Senior broadcasting major Lance Vie and junior broadcasting major Alaina Tomesh introduced Channel 8 anchor and debate moderator Rod Fowler at the beginning of the event. Logan Eby, freshman broadcasting major, was in charge of running the audio, and junior journalism and broadcasting major Jay Quemado, sophomore broadcasting and journalism major Hayden Hauge and junior journalism major Trystin Somers served as camera operators.
"This debate is an excellent example of the opportunities that are available to our students in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications," CoJMC Dean Shari Veil said. "The students were given an opportunity to work alongside professionals, gaining hands-on experience and honing their skills. This is a perfect example of the experiential learning opportunities we offer at the CoJMC."
The debate aired live on Channel 8 KLKN-TV and 90.3 KRNU, the UNL Campus Radio Station. Those who missed the debate can watch it at https://www.klkntv.com/watch-geist-and-gaylor-baird-face-off-in-lincoln-mayoral-debate/.
The CoJMC continues to be at the forefront of providing students with experiential learning opportunities that prepare them for a successful career in journalism and mass communications.
For more information about the UNL CoJMC, visit https://journalism.unl.edu/.