Audio Script for UNO’s Social Media Lab and it’s involvement with rural Nebraska. By Jennifer Knight

Narrator: On UNO’s campus in ASH hall, there’s a windowless small room that has produced a big impact. This room houses the UNO Social Media Lab for Research and Engagement. The lab works with rural Nebraska communities share their news as newspapers are diminishing.

Narrator: Professor Jeremy Lipschultz is one of the founders of the lab which has now helped many communities throughout the state.  It all started from a UNO class. 

Insert sound bite 1:  “J. Lipschultz” 0.33 – 0.51

Narrator: Since that class, they collaborated with UNL and the Dept of Ag Economics and ultimately they became a lab with grant funding to work with rural communities. The lab staff  help make plans, teaches different methods, works with town administrators, high schools and even libraries on connecting the community. He mentions that these areas are . . . 

Insert sound bite 2: “J. Lipschultz” 1:14 – 1:30.

Narrator: Prof L. said they are teaching the idea that when people tweet and use social media, they are becoming their own local news source and . . . .

Insert sound bite: “J. Lipschultz” 1:39 – 1: 52

Narrator: The UNO social media lab has since been awarded second grant to work with mulitple communities and four counties because they’ve  impressed others with the work they are doing. 

Narrator: It’s all coming from that small room on the now quiet UNO campus. Reporting for the UNO School of Communication, this is Jennifer Knight.