A longtime newspaper reporter and publisher in the Nebraska panhandle and northeast Colorado is jumping to radio, television and web with News Channel Nebraska. 

Forrest Hershberger has worked in journalism since 1990, when he started at the Sterling Journal-Advocate. His work has also been seen across northeast Colorado in Julesburg, Alamosa, DelNorte, and Haxtun. He has spent the last five years at the Sidney Sun-Telegraph, most recently as their publisher.   

“Sometimes, opportunity taps on your shoulder when you don’t expect it," Hershberger said. "This is one of those times. I look forward to the change and sharing people’s stories on an electronic platform.” 

In his time writing for newspapers, Hershberger has reported on local government, education, sports, sharing his views on opinion pages, and features about people. 

Telling people’s stories are what draws Hershberger the strongest. He says one of the most unique stories he's written is when he did a story on a community celebrating its first running water - translated from Spanish to English through an interpreter - while on a mission trip to Nicaragua.

“Everyone has a story, from the president to the person who walks miles to his second job," Hershberger said. "Sometimes the challenge is convincing a person their story is worth telling, but it is. The story is part of a person’s identity."

Hershberger says moving to News Channel Nebraska is about changing formats, while still hearing people tell their stories, and sharing their stories with other audiences on 987 The Big Boy, Cheyenne County Country, News Channel Nebraska TV, and online at newschannelnebraska.com. He'll remain in Sidney and be based out of the NCN office downtown. 

In addition to writing news stories, Hershberger stays involved in the community. He's been involved in The Ark (a children's ministry in Sidney), Elevate community discussions, and the E3 group. He's also helped organize a shoe drive to support local schools, and he and his wife, Anita, are involved with Compassionate Friends - an organization focused on supporting parents who've lost children. 

"Forrest's strong integrity, drive for news, and accuracy in his coverage are characteristics that fit very well within our company," Station Manager Hunter Arterburn said. "We couldn't be more excited to welcome Forrest and his wife, Anita, to our Flood Communications family. His energy will be a huge asset in leading our newsroom."

Hershberger has published two books, with other manuscripts in the works. You'll find him cycling outside of work.