Speaking of Nebraska

Insightful discussion on important issues for Nebraskans. That’s what you’ll get on “Speaking of Nebraska.” Each week on NET Television and NET Radio we’ll cover a wide range of issues like the economy, environment, government, agriculture and more. We’ll also look at what’s happening in the Unicameral and share a bit of Nebraska history with an NET "Nebraska 150 History Moment." 

NET News producer/reporters Mike Tobias (Facebook / Twitter), Grant Gerlock (Facebook / Twitter) and Bill Kelly (Facebook / Twitter) will rotate as host/producer for the eight-week series during 2018. NET News Legislative reporter Fred Knapp (Twitter) will be interviewed on happenings in state government when the legislature is in session.

CLICK HERE to watch shows from the 2017 season of "Speaking of Nebraska."

Schedule:

• Feb. 15 (WATCH HERE) - Host: Mike Tobias. College Athletics. Husker sports is a multi-million dollar business, and that business has a new CEO. We’ll talk one-on-one with UNL Director of Athletics Bill Moos about his goals for the Husker program, and broader topics facing college athletics. (Full interview with Bill Moos: READ / LISTEN / WATCH)
• Feb. 22 (WATCH HERE) - Host: Mike Tobias. Homelessness; what does it look like in different parts of Nebraska, why does it happen and what's being done to help the homeless. Guests: Jody Jackson, Heartland Family Service; and Christina Lloyd, Cedars Youth Services.
• March 1 (WATCH HERE) - Host: Mike Tobias. Nebraska's job outlook; what's hot, what's not, what's the impact of automation and how are we preparing for a changing workplace and workforce. Guests: Eric Thompson, UNL Bureau of Business Research; and Phil Baker, Nebraska Department of Labor.
• March 22 - (WATCH HERE) Host: Bill Kelly. Juvenile Justice. A new emphasis on keeping juvenile offenders out of jail is beginning to have an impact on the kids, their families and the justice system. Guest: Debora Denny, Director of the Nebraska Office of Dispute Resolution in the Nebraska State Court Administrator’s Office
• March 29 - (WATCH HERE) Host: Grant Gerlock. Trade and the Nebraska Economy. Nebraska farmers and ranchers talk about about their perspectives on NAFTA talks and we discuss how federal trade policy impacts local businesses. Guest: Bruce Bohrer, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce.
• April 5 - (WATCH HERE) Host: Bill Kelly. The Death Penalty Process. There are likely to be three additions to Nebraska's Death Row this year. Former Assistant Attorney General Kirk Brown talks about what happens in court after the trial when the punishment is death.
• April 12 - (WATCH HERE) Host: Bill Kelly. Jeremy Bouman, Executive Director of Defy Ventures in Nebraska, a unique program available in most Nebraska correctional facilities turning inmates into entrepreneurs.
• April 19 - (WATCH HERE) Host: Grant Gerlock. Expanding Broadband. What needs to happen for high-speed internet to be available to everyone who wants it? Guests: Sen. Curt Friesen, Henderson; Gary Warren, Hamilton Telecommunications.
• Dec. 14 - (WATCH HERE) Host: Fred Knapp. Medicaid Expansion. How will Nebraska implement voter-approved Medicaid expansion? Senator Kate Bolz, Senator Brett Lindstrom.

We want to hear from you! Things you would like us to talk about during upcoming shows, ideas for future interviews or stories. E-mail your thoughts to: news@netNebraska.org.