Skip to main content
University of Nebraska Omaha logo University of Nebraska Omaha
APPLY MY UNO DIRECTORY

APPLY MY UNO DIRECTORY
  • About Backback to Main menu
    • About
    • Leadership
    • Mission and Strategic Plan
    • Accreditation
    • Our City
    • Facts and Figures
    • Campus Safety
    • Buildings and Maps
    • Contact Us
  • Academics Backback to Main menu
    • Academics
    • Majors & Programs
    • Class Search
    • Catalogs
    • Academic Calendar
    • Colleges
    • Academic Affairs
    • Online Learning
    • International
    • Library
  • Admissions Backback to Main menu
    • Admissions
    • Undergraduate Admissions
    • Graduate Admissions
    • Tuition and Fees
    • Financial Aid
    • Registrar
    • Visit UNO
    • Request Info
    • Apply
  • Student Life Backback to Main menu
    • Student Life
    • Division of Student Life and Wellbeing
    • Maverick Advising Center
    • Career Services
    • Accessibility
    • Housing & Residence Life
    • Inclusion
    • Service
    • Student Conduct & Community Standards
    • Student Involvement
    • Student Safety
    • Wellness
  • Engagement Backback to Main menu
    • Engagement
    • Office of Engagement
    • Campus Resources for Community
    • Service Learning Academy
    • Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center
    • Volunteer and Civic Engagement Programs
    • Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center
    • Faculty Resources
    • Student Resources
    • Voter Engagement
    • Community Engagement Partnership Initiative
  • Research Backback to Main menu
    • Research
    • Research News
    • Centers and Institutes
  • Athletics Backback to Main menu
    • Athletics
    • Baxter Arena
    • Omaha Mavericks Website
  • Alumni Backback to Main menu
    • Alumni
    • Transcripts
    • Thompson Center
  1. UNO
  2. News
  3. 2023
  4. 09
  5. Standard Page - www

From Early Morning Enthusiast to Aspiring Journalist

  • published: 2023/09/18
  • contact: Bella Watson - Strategic Marketing and Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu
Jenna Janssen stands at a railing in front of the KETV 7 Burlington Station logo.

Jenna Janssen stands at a railing in front of the KETV 7 Burlington Station logo.

Jenna Janssen hard at work in front of her desk and computer.

Jenna Janssen hard at work in front of her desk and computer.

Jenna takes center stage at Burlington Station.

Jenna takes center stage at Burlington Station.

Instead of growing up watching early morning cartoons before school each day, Jenna Janssen usually found herself watching the local news. She was fascinated not only by the news stories, but by the complexity that went into producing each broadcast. She wanted to understand every detail, from the anchor’s presentation style, to the scriptwriting, to the video crew’s editing techniques.

Janssen graduated from Omaha South High School in May 2021 and chose to attend the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) the following fall semester. They had been involved in theater throughout high school, but upon arriving at UNO, they knew they wanted to find new interests and gain new skills through experience.

She began her freshman year as undeclared, but upon experimenting with different courses and recalling her fascination with early morning broadcasts, her passion for journalism was reignited. Today, Janssen is a junior at UNO in the College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media (CFAM). She is pursuing a degree in communications with a focus in creative media, as well as two minors in studio art and theater. Janssen said that attending UNO really allowed her to explore different paths, and provided her with the ability to make new connections.

The aspiring communications professional is involved in several extracurriculars and internships at UNO. These experiential learning opportunities allow her to develop new skills and hone in on potential careers to pursue. During the fall semester, Janssen works with the Maverick Digital Network which helps record and broadcast UNO sporting events; with MavRadio, UNO's student-run radio station as a social media manager; and with Maverick Productions, UNO's student programming board.

“UNO has provided me with great opportunities that have allowed me to become more confident in my work,” Janssen said. “I’ve learned so many things, like how to properly write a news story, the right way to email in a professional setting, and how to work with a team.”

This year, Janssen will also take on the role of news editor for the Gateway, UNO's student newspaper. As the news editor, she will be responsible for reporting news relevant to the university, acquiring writers for her team, editing all news publications, and attending board meetings.

“I remember asking myself when I was little, why do we have to limit ourselves to one career aspiration, when there’s so many out there?” Janssen said.

This mentality, along with an eagerness to learn and insatiable curiosity is what drives Janssen to stay involved in their chosen career field in as many ways as possible, both on campus and in the community. Outside of the university, she works with local radio station KVNO, Omaha’s only classical station, as a student reporter.

Recently, Janssen has accepted a position as an intern with KETV News Watch 7, Omaha’s ABC station. She was originally contracted to work for the news station for 12 weeks, but due to her impressive work and continued dedication, she has been accepted for an extended internship program.

As an intern, she is responsible for handling the behind-the-scenes workings of the KETV’s 4:30 A.M. newscast. She arrives at the station at 2:00 A.M., where she promptly repackages the nightly news for the morning viewer. This includes writing a script for the anchors to read, deciding which stories are aired, and which order they’re shown in. She is also responsible for many of the creative aspects of the productive, including choosing which graphics will be shown on screen.

“I like that it's really nerve wracking, and every time I do it, time goes by so fast. It’s really fun to do,” said Janssen, “It's kind of just like building something from scratch, and then seeing the anchors say the words I've written live, it’s unbelievable that I just wrote that, that's what I just did. I love that.”

Janssen's journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, versatility, and an unwavering dedication to one's passion. As she continues to build her skills, learn from experiences, and shape her path in the world of journalism, her story serves as an inspiration for those who seek to explore the multifaceted dimensions of their interests and forge their own unique trail toward success.

  • News Sections:
  • UNO News Center
  • Maverick Daily
  • The Bullseye
  • Campus Events

News Sections

  • News Center
  • Maverick Daily
  • The Bullseye
  • Campus Events

Featured Stories

  • UNO’s Graduate Programs, Overall Student Count Highlight Fall 2023 Enrollment Numbers
  • Parking and Transit Updates
  • A Great First Week of the Fall 2023 Semester
  • New Semester Guide

Contact Us

If you have a story idea, news tip, or other question, please email the UNO News team at unonews@unomaha.edu.

About University Communications

  • Next Steps
  • Visit UNO
  • Request Information
  • Apply for Admission
  • The UNO Advantage
  • Our City (Omaha)
  • Just For You
  • Future Students
  • Current Students
  • Work at UNO
  • Faculty and Staff
  • A-Z List
  • Popular Services and Resources
  • my.unomaha.edu
  • Academic Calendar
  • Campus Buildings & Maps
  • Library
  • Pay Your Bill
  • Course Catalogs
  • Internships & Career Development
  • Bookstore
  • MavCARD Services
  • Military-Connected Resource Center
  • Speech Center
  • Writing Center
  • Human Resources
  • Center for Faculty Excellence
  • Affiliates
  • University of Nebraska System
  • NU Foundation
  • Buffett Early Childhood Institute
  • Daugherty Water for Food Institute
  • National Strategic Research Institute
  • Peter Kiewit Institute
  • Rural Prosperity Nebraska
  1. University Policies
  2. Privacy Statement
  3. Accessibility
  1. 402.554.2800

University of Nebraska Omaha
University of Nebraska Omaha, 6001 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE, 68182
  • © 2023  
  • Emergency Information Alert
  • MavsReport

Omaha Skyline

Our Campus. Otherwise Known as Omaha.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. Read the full statement.

scroll to top of page