Reporter Bios
Femi Banwo
Femi loves sports. It's that passion that brought him to UNO to pursue a degree in broadcasting. Femi was hoping to get into sports entertainment reporting. "I had plans to intern at ESPN Bristol through a close friend that works in their college football department once
I graduated," says Femi, "but things have changed." He is now intent on going to film school.
If he's not getting ready for the world of film, Femi enjoys playing poker, video gaming (he plays in tournaments year round), and watches a lot of television. basketball, and football.
Femi expects to graduate this spring.
I graduated," says Femi, "but things have changed." He is now intent on going to film school.
If he's not getting ready for the world of film, Femi enjoys playing poker, video gaming (he plays in tournaments year round), and watches a lot of television. basketball, and football.
Femi expects to graduate this spring.
Brandon Bartling
Brandon’s road to the Omaha News began his freshman year of high school in Hooper, Nebraska. Brandon took a shot and became the voice of Logan View sports. “I introduced starting lineups, did light play-by-play, and played warm-up and intermission music.” But Brandon’s deepest interest in broadcasting has to be video editing. It’s that interest that convinced him he’d like to be a Broadcast major.
Brandon is a BIG Cubs fan, and bleeds Husker red. He’s also into alternative rock, pop, and contemporary Christian music.
Brandon expects to graduate in winter 2011.
Brandon is a BIG Cubs fan, and bleeds Husker red. He’s also into alternative rock, pop, and contemporary Christian music.
Brandon expects to graduate in winter 2011.
Meghan Bird
As far as she can remember, Meghan has always been interested in filming and creating stories to entertain people, so a Broadcast degree was just a natural fit. In particular, Meghan strives to get an angle on issues you may never have thought of. “Telling a story through […] a point of view that hasn’t really been seen before really inspires me.” Currently Meghan’s work is focusing on promotional video, but she can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Aside from video production, Meghan is musical. She’ll use her spare time learning guitar or keeping in touch with close friends.
Meghan expects to graduate this spring.
Aside from video production, Meghan is musical. She’ll use her spare time learning guitar or keeping in touch with close friends.
Meghan expects to graduate this spring.
Anthony Davis
Anthony’s path to Broadcast News has always been pretty clear. After all, he’s always had a passion for current events. “I wasn't like most kids at 10- 11- 12 years old, who thought the news was boring. Come that time of night, I was always glued to the TV to find out what was happening in my city.” Anthony also loves how the actual career allows for something different every single day.
Aside from the nightly news, Anthony is a big fan of political pundits. His bookshelf is full of names like Al Franken and Ann Coulter. He’s also a regular bowler, although he’ll tell you with a quick smile that his average is in the high nineties.
Anthony expects to graduate this spring.
Aside from the nightly news, Anthony is a big fan of political pundits. His bookshelf is full of names like Al Franken and Ann Coulter. He’s also a regular bowler, although he’ll tell you with a quick smile that his average is in the high nineties.
Anthony expects to graduate this spring.
Ian Edgington
Ian’s always been interested in the behind-the-scenes work that makes television happen. “Even a 60-second commercial requires so much unseen work that most people don't realize.” Since Ian began pursuing a specialization in Broadcast News, he’s loved finding out all the different ways stories and shows can be put together. He also loves meeting new people and getting a chance to improve with every story.
Aside from television work, Ian enjoys spending time with his family or what little traveling he can fit in right now. When he gets older he’s hoping to explore the world a lot more.
Ian expects to graduate in winter 2011.
Aside from television work, Ian enjoys spending time with his family or what little traveling he can fit in right now. When he gets older he’s hoping to explore the world a lot more.
Ian expects to graduate in winter 2011.
Brigitta Hebdon
After twelve years as a stay-at-home mom, Brigitta decided it was time to finish her degree. Broadcasting just seemed to match up with her talents. “I needed a career where I could make money talking and writing, because those were the only two things I was really good at.” That thoughtful, practical approach has paid off. Brigitta’s found she loves the field.
But if we’re not talking news, Brigitta’s got plenty to keep her hands full. She has four kids, and also tries to keep in touch with current events--- particularly politics.
Brigitta expects to graduate in summer 2011.
But if we’re not talking news, Brigitta’s got plenty to keep her hands full. She has four kids, and also tries to keep in touch with current events--- particularly politics.
Brigitta expects to graduate in summer 2011.
Adam Hilt
Adam’s investment in our democratic society led him to major with a specialization in Broadcast News. But that doesn’t mean his only focus in politics. Whether it’s government affairs or just something going on in daily life, Adam believes the people have a right to know. “Information is power in our lives and the quicker it can be delivered the better.” Over the years, Adam has reported on everything from Omaha’s obesity to the Separation of Church and State.
Aside from news and politics, Adam loves to create music. He is an avid drummer and I songwriter. His biggest inspirations? Bob Dylan and the Beatles.
Adam expects to graduate in spring 2012.
Aside from news and politics, Adam loves to create music. He is an avid drummer and I songwriter. His biggest inspirations? Bob Dylan and the Beatles.
Adam expects to graduate in spring 2012.
Dan Jensen
Dan tried a lot of things before he arrived at Broadcast Journalism. From Education to Psychology to Law, Dan discovered nothing seemed to fit. When he took a TV class to fill credits, he fell in love with it. But it’s radio that really has his heart. “I was always fascinated with music and wanted to get involved in radio announcing somehow.” Now Dan can't imagine being anything but a broadcasting major.
Outside of Broadcast, Dan loves to sing. But you can also catch him watching old TV shows, or just reading a good book of short stories.
Dan expects to graduate this spring.
Outside of Broadcast, Dan loves to sing. But you can also catch him watching old TV shows, or just reading a good book of short stories.
Dan expects to graduate this spring.
Josh Korth
Since he can remember, Josh has always wanted to work in Broadcast. When he was younger, he wanted to be a weatherman. Now he’s decided that anything in broadcasting will do. “The main reason I decided to go into the field of broadcasting is because I’ll be doing something new every day.” It’s that passion for diversity in every day that convinces Josh he’s in the right field.
Josh has a real passion for music, but if he’s not at a show, you can find him reading a murder mystery (James Patterson is his favorite) or trying to catch a football game on TV.
Josh expects to graduate in spring 2012.
Josh has a real passion for music, but if he’s not at a show, you can find him reading a murder mystery (James Patterson is his favorite) or trying to catch a football game on TV.
Josh expects to graduate in spring 2012.
Trevor Maldon
Although Trevor’s definitely a part of the Omaha News his focus- and passion- is radio. Trevor feels that radio offers something unique when you’re talking about communication. “You communicate without [the] visual but you can still place visuals in the listeners mind.” Trevor has a gift for expressing himself, and he tries to paint pictures for his listeners. It’s that passion that brought him to Broadcast Journalism.
Outside of classes, Trevor keeps busy pretty easily. He’s a father, he plays football for the UNO Mavericks, and he likes to play video games in his spare time.
Trevor expects to graduate this spring.
Outside of classes, Trevor keeps busy pretty easily. He’s a father, he plays football for the UNO Mavericks, and he likes to play video games in his spare time.
Trevor expects to graduate this spring.
Brandi Rollins
Brandi’s broadcast journey began with a successful school audition for a reporter position in her high school’s local programming. Things just started to click for Brandi after the audition. “I spent my entire senior year of high school meeting people around the community and creating stories.” As Brandi chased stories around the Heartland, she grew more interested in the editing and technology behind the newscasts you see. Her major’s specialization, New Media, focuses on that.
Aside from news media, Brandi loves to travel and hopes to see every part of the world one day. She enjoys spending her spare time outside and as soon as summer arrives you can bet she’ll be making camping plans.
Brandi expects to graduate by fall 2011.
Aside from news media, Brandi loves to travel and hopes to see every part of the world one day. She enjoys spending her spare time outside and as soon as summer arrives you can bet she’ll be making camping plans.
Brandi expects to graduate by fall 2011.
Jon Schriner
If you ask him, Jon will tell you--- with a wide grin--- that he’s in broadcasting because he’s not an elite athlete. “My whole life, all I wanted to do was play a professional sport. Unfortunately, my genetics failed me.” For Jon, the next best thing is being a sports broadcaster. And as it turns out, he’s discovered he’s a better writer and storyteller than a runner anyway.
Outside of broadcast classes, Jon still plays and watches sports. He’s an outdoorsman and loves hunting and fishing. He also spends time catching up with friends from his time in the Marine Corps.
Jon expects to graduate this spring.
Outside of broadcast classes, Jon still plays and watches sports. He’s an outdoorsman and loves hunting and fishing. He also spends time catching up with friends from his time in the Marine Corps.
Jon expects to graduate this spring.
Adam Stines
Adam found his way to a Broadcast major to pursue a passion for filming extreme sports. Adam will tell you straight out that he loves the thrill. “I like the aspect of getting close to the action and getting shots others wouldn’t dare to try.” Broadcast classes have let him learn new filming techniques and given him a chance to pick up important editing skills perfect for his extreme sports videos.
Away from filming the action, Adam enjoys actually participating in extreme sports like skateboarding. But if he’s not on four wheels you may be able to find him out in the wild, hunting.
Adam expects to graduate this spring.
Away from filming the action, Adam enjoys actually participating in extreme sports like skateboarding. But if he’s not on four wheels you may be able to find him out in the wild, hunting.
Adam expects to graduate this spring.
Matt Thompson
Senior year of high school, Matt had no idea what he wanted in life until he chanced on a video editing class. That semester, something just clicked. “The class showed me how creative and fun broadcasting can be.” Now Matt is pursuing a Broadcasting degree to give him more time with editing video.
Aside from Broadcast and video work, Matt is a sports fanatic. He’s a huge Packers fan, and wouldn’t miss a Huskers fan if his life depended on it. But if it’s not football season you may be able to find Matt fishing or playing video games.
Matt expects to graduate in spring 2012.
Aside from Broadcast and video work, Matt is a sports fanatic. He’s a huge Packers fan, and wouldn’t miss a Huskers fan if his life depended on it. But if it’s not football season you may be able to find Matt fishing or playing video games.
Matt expects to graduate in spring 2012.
(Photos courtesy of Chris Potratz).
