Dear Nebraska Media,

It’s my last day of high school. The last of the start. My mom tells me not to end on a sour note and that’s not at all my goal. Nebraska Media, you gave me my livelihood. I love this industry and the only thing I want to do is leave some advice to keep journalism and media moving in a positive direction. What I can do is offer my thoughts on what is going well, what can be better, and where the industry is headed.

I’ll start by saying thank you. Thank you to the athletes for allowing me to capture and tell their stories. Thank you to Elkhorn Public Schools for allowing me to create content for Elkhorn North the past four years. Thank you Ms Healy for allowing me the freedom to create in Newspaper. Thank you to the photographers and writers who have taught me many things. Thank you to the NSAA (and Dante Boelhower) for allowing me to attend state events and create content for them. Thank you Creighton Athletics (and Coach Booth) for the jumpstart you have given me in the industry.

We’ve all grown over the past few years. The world of journalism is taking a turn toward social/digital media. Us young guys and gals that “jumped on the train” early have been able to pioneer and shape Nebraska high school media and -all things considered- we’ve done a solid job. Some have built a following and become their own media outlet while some have helped other news and media outlets grow their following and social media side of reporting. It’s been fun to watch and fun to be a part of. I encourage you to keep going. We are going in a good direction. Some “traditional” journalists are hesitant and look down on the role of social media in journalism, especially with the young guys running it. The industry is changing very quickly and it might be hard to keep up, but think about it this way, you get to be the one to break tradition and to start the new wave of journalism in Nebraska. 

Let’s face it, social media isn’t going anywhere and, while people will always read articles, some things are better as a six-second video or a graphic. The way society consumes media is changing. We’ve done a good job at setting new standards for content creation and delivery, now it’s time for all of you to jump on the train in some fashion and be supportive of it. We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to reshape journalism to what we want it to be. 

Now, we can talk about the success of journalism in Nebraska (keeping in mind that I’m only 18 and have only seen a fraction of journalism). I think the way we highlight success stories in Nebraska, especially athletics, is great. Individuals, and not just the big names, are highlighted across the state. Programs and people get the recognition they deserve. With that said, we need to step back every now and then and remember these are high schoolers. They aren’t perfect, they are growing, they are going to make mistakes. 

I have seen some pretty crazy things in my four years. Remember to let them—students, athletes, student-athletes, teenagers, children—live a little (that goes for you too, NSAA). Flash back to the Class A State Football Championship game where there was more media in the trophy presentation than there were players. The result? One of the photographers, on the ground, trampled. That was a hard watch and is not a proud moment. I know we all want THE shot because I do too, that’s why I was there, but we shouldn’t put our shot above the athletes’ memories and especially not above their safety.

The media industry can very easily be viewed as one of the messiest. In October of 2020, I was just a little freshman running around my school events with barely any clue to what I was doing. It was also during COVID restrictions so I met few other members of the media. Connections outside of Elkhorn North were difficult so I just minded my own business. Then Elkhorn North Athletics started to take off and I went to state events. At that time I knew nobody and nobody knew me so I had to find a way to get to state without getting in trouble or bothering anyone. Some people were taken aback when there was a 13-year-old setting next to them at the state basketball tournament. Some showed very little respect to someone young and new to the industry, however, most of you took me in. You developed sincere relationships with me, you taught me things, you supported every piece of content I put out. I will be forever grateful for that, and I will greatly miss you all. I owe a lot of my career to you. 

Now, my advice to everyone is simple: as fun as our job can be, remember this is a job -a profession- so be professional and respectful of everyone, no matter their age or outlet. To the young ones, our job is fun and you can have fun doing it, but remember to show maturity at the same time. That’s something we can all work on. To those who have been in the industry for a while, respect the young ones; don’t push us away. We may be immature or unprofessional at times, so teach us, at least make an effort. We are the next generation of journalism. 

Now a few words to the organizations. 

To the NSAA, I’ve had my moments of frustration with you, but overall thank you. You gave me the last four years. There are some logistical things that could be better. There always will be, not even just media related. For example, why are we hosting state journalism at a location with no room for students to sit? We spent four hours on the floor. Hopefully we can get a better venue on your to-do list. And remember, the people participating in your events are students, student athletes, student journalists, etc. Let them live a little. Now that everything is in the past, Thank you for letting me come to state events even if you had no clue who I was shooting for. Thank you for respecting me as I honed my craft. Thank you. There is some work to be done, but thank you.

To Elkhorn Public Schools, I already thanked you but I’ll thank you again. Thank you for letting me kind of make my own rules and giving me the freedom to create. Thank you to the coaches, staff, and administration who supported me. Thank you for allowing me to capture memories of the most important people in my life. You’ve supported me and now I am leaving. Now it is time to support the next generation. Support the students who want to learn journalism and broadcast. They need resources and support; Ms. Healy can’t do it all. This is an important career field that is very underappreciated in EPS. Districts such as Gretna, Millard, Scotus, and many others have very valuable classes and curriculum for journalism. Just look at their success at state events. I know EPS can do better. 

I care about this field. I want it to be the best it can be and I am passionate about it. I know I am only 18 and don’t know everything but I do know it is time to grow and reshape journalism in Nebraska. I am thankful for the media in Nebraska; I wouldn’t have a career without it. I am sad to leave, but I’ll be back. 

Signing off,

Brandon Urbano, The Elkhorn North Photographer