Early Riser Samantha Pastorino Transforms Omaha News Landscape
Samantha Pastorino, a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), has established herself as a prominent news anchor in her hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. As the morning traffic anchor for KETV NewsWatch 7, she begins her day at 3 A.M., already preparing to inform thousands of commuters by sunrise.
Pastorino’s journey into journalism began unexpectedly during her high school years. Initially uncertain about her career path, her perspective shifted during her junior year when the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the media’s crucial role in society. “You have a responsibility to the public, a responsibility to the community,” she remarked, reflecting on her decision to pursue journalism.
Finding a Supportive Environment at UNO
At UNO, Pastorino found a nurturing environment that fostered her ambitions. Under the mentorship of Professor Karen Weber, she discovered the importance of practical experience in her field. Weber encouraged her to join the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and facilitated real-world writing opportunities.
Pastorino’s first published work came from an assignment covering a local ice cream shop in Papillion. “She’s the kind of teacher who just throws opportunities at you,” Pastorino said, acknowledging Weber’s influence on her growth. This encouragement helped Pastorino overcome her initial shyness and develop her professional voice.
As graduation approached, Pastorino recognized that UNO had equipped her with the skills and confidence necessary for a successful career. Weber praised Pastorino, stating, “She has a sparkling personality, an incredible work ethic, and a deep desire to learn.”
Seizing Opportunities and Building a Career
During her junior year, Pastorino seized an internship opportunity that would prove pivotal. A professor announced a “College & Community Connect” event at KETV, inviting students to tour the newsroom and meet industry professionals. Initially hesitant, Pastorino decided to attend, remembering her commitment to embrace new experiences.
At the event, the station’s general manager discussed internship opportunities, igniting Pastorino’s determination. After the session, she approached the general manager with her resume in hand, ultimately securing an interview with KETV’s news director and landing her first internship.
On her first day in the newsroom, Pastorino felt overwhelmed but soon realized that the experience was where she belonged. When she produced her first news segment, the realization struck her: “I knew that I wanted to be a journalist, and that was when it really clicked for me.”
Now a full-time on-air journalist since her graduation in December 2024, Pastorino’s mornings are filled with live traffic reports and chasing stories across Omaha. Her assignments vary from profiling local heroes to investigating pressing issues, all with the underlying goal of informing her community.
“Whether it’s helping with a morning commute or shining a light on a problem that needs attention, I want to make a difference,” she stated. Her deep-rooted connection to Omaha enhances her reporting, providing her with insights and sources that many journalists may lack.
Pastorino’s commitment to her work reflects her educational experiences at UNO, where she learned to view her city as an extension of her classroom. “Omaha is kind of my workspace now,” she explained, emphasizing her dedication to reporting on the stories that matter to her community.
In her role at KETV, Pastorino exemplifies the impact of local journalism, using her platform to highlight both challenges and triumphs within her hometown. As she continues to grow in her profession, she remains a testament to the value of education, mentorship, and community engagement in shaping the future of journalism.
