Nebraska Nightly, the UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications live newscast, aired its first episode of the fall 2022 semester on Oct. 11, 2022.
Nebraska Nightly is one of the programs in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications’ Experience Lab.
Working with faculty liaisons and professionals-in-residence, the Experience Lab offers students the opportunity to get hands-on experience working in broadcasting, journalism, sports media or advertising and public relations while still in college.
“This is a group of hard-working students,” said Ken Fischer, assistant professor of practice in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications and Nebraska Nightly faculty liaison. “They jumped in right away, eager to learn and I’m excited to see them improve with each newscast.”
There were 23 students helping to produce the first newscast of the semester. The program requires no experience to participate so students have spent the past eight weeks learning how to produce a live newscast and preparing for their first show.
“I’m so proud of this group of students for their professionalism and hard work to make this first show happen,” said Jill Martin, assistant professor of practice and co-director of the Experience Lab. “Not only did they create an informative and meaningful show, they all did it with positive and professional attitudes. I can’t wait to see how Nebraska Nightly develops as we prepare for Election Day and the rest of the semester.”
The students have been working with the following local professionals who are volunteering their time as mentors in the program.
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Shaun Cummins, senior technical director, KLKN-TV Channel 8 News, Lincoln
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Mikel Lauber, news director, KOLN/KGIN, KSNB Local 4, KNOP News 2, Lincoln
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Mike McKnight, 6 on Your Side investigative reporter, WOWT-TV, Omaha
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Mike Tobias, senior producer, Nebraska Public Media, Lincoln
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Jon Vanderford, executive producer and host, KOLN/KGIN, Lincoln
Following is a list of Nebraska Nightly’s crew, listed alphabetically by hometown, with their year in school, major(s) and role:
Nebraska
Bellevue:
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Nathan Hawkins, senior, sports media and communication, sports anchor
Bennet:
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Trystin Somers, sophomore, journalism, crew
Lavista:
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Jackson Atwell, senior, broadcasting, crew
Lincoln:
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Devin Kearney, sophomore, sports media and communication, production assistant
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Rex McKeeman, junior, broadcasting , crew
Nebraska City:
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Macy Neumeister, junior, broadcasting, journalism, anchor
Nickerson:
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Lance Vie, senior, broadcasting, student lead/director
Omaha:
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Sam Alessandro, senior, broadcasting, sports media and communication, sport producer
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Paul Heires, senior, broadcasting, sports media and communication, crew
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Jenna Reynolds, sophomore, advertising and public relations, broadcasting, reporter
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Turner Wittstruck, junior, advertising and public relations, broadcasting, entertainment reporter
Plattsmouth:
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Reed Greger, freshman, advertising and public relations, broadcasting, entertainment reporter
Seward:
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Hannah Roebke, junior, broadcasting, sports media and communication, reporter
Elsewhere
Jacksonville, Florida:
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Melanie Wieting, freshman, broadcasting, crew
Merrill, Iowa:
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Madalyn Fox, sophomore, broadcasting, sports media and communication, crew
Chicago, Illinois:
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Carmelo Lattuca, senior, meteorology-climatology, lead weathercaster
Springfield, Illinois:
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Rebecca Heckel, senior, journalism, assignments editor/political reporter
Apple Valley, Minnesota:
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Jill Lamkins, senior, broadcasting, sports media and communication, anchor
Hillsboro, Missouri:
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Logan Howard , senior, meteorology-climatology, weathercaster
Arlington, Texas:
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Lilly Griffiths, freshman, broadcasting, journalism, crew
El Paso, Texas:
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Jay Quemado, sophomore, broadcasting, journalism, crew chief
Justin, Texas:
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Syd Thomas, freshman, meteorology-climatology, weather assistant
Rice Lake, Wisconsin:
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Alaina Tomesh, sophomore, broadcasting, producer
The first show aired on Oct. 11 at 3:30 p.m. on the Nebraska News Service YouTube Channel.
