UNL CoJMC and KLKN-TV co-host Lincoln Mayoral Debate with student assistants

April 26, 2023

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird (left) and former State Sen. Suzanne Geist during the Lincoln Mayoral Debate on April 23.
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird (left) and former State Sen. Suzanne Geist during the Lincoln Mayoral Debate on April 23.

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.

Students Lance Vie (left) and Alaina Tomesh prepare to introduce the Lincoln Mayoral Debate on April 23.
Students Lance Vie (left) and Alaina Tomesh prepare to introduce the Lincoln Mayoral Debate on April 23.

"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/.

Students and staff running the behind the scenes monitors of a news show.
From left: Jamie Wenz, CoJMC technical director, freshman broadcasting major Logan Eby, Shaun Cummins, senior technical director, KLKN-TV and professional-in-residence, CoJMC Experience Lab and Britney Strong, producer, KLKN-TV, work in the Nebraska Broadcasting Association control room during the Lincoln Mayoral Debate on April 23.

 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/.