In a crowded newsroom, alumna and TV producer Emma Miner ’23 (journalism) leans over her monitor, piecing together a story for KRNV News 4 evening anchor Joe Hart. Her months-long work behind the camera and in the editing room eventually help uncover additional, decades-old complaints and new victims.
Miner’s hard work resulted in major outcomes. For three teenagers living in deplorable conditions in Silver Springs, Nevada, the coverage led to the criminal conviction of their parents. For his reporting on the investigation, titled “Small Town Secrets,” Hart earned a regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Continuing Coverage, recognizing outstanding journalistic work on a developing story over an extended period of time.
“[In investigative reporting] you’re often pushing against the powers that be to tell your story,” Hart said. “The fact that Emma understood that and was eager to push ahead and work together was a key part of it. It couldn’t have been done without her efforts.”
Miner is part of a workforce driving Nevada’s economic strength and civic engagement. A recent economic impact study found that the University of Nevada, Reno generates $2.2 billion in added income for the state each year, the equivalent of supporting one out of every 94 jobs in Nevada.
In Miner’s case, her path to success was supported by alumni giving and mentorship.
She received the Liv Moore Scholarship for Strategic Communications, launched by fellow alumna Liv Moore ’17 (journalism), ’23 MBA, now a senior global manager in the entertainment industry. They were able to meet in person when Moore was visiting town to give a TEDxReno talk about the importance of supporting others, no matter your age.
“Meeting the person who established a scholarship that I received was awesome,” Miner said. “Also, her name sticks out to me. I think of ‘live more’ and put more into life. It’s something I’ve kind of taken as a slogan.”
Miner carries that “live more” ethos into her work, helping colleagues like Hart and carrying her influence beyond campus. She credits part of her confidence to the real-world experiences and networking opportunities she has while a student at the University — even leading her toward sports journalism and the career she thrives in today.
“I was shy at first in the newsroom, and this work has brought me out of my shell,” Miner said. “As a student, Todd Felts helped me a lot, encouraging me to put myself out there.” (Todd Felts, associate professor of journalism, passed unexpectedly in November 2024. He had taught at the University for 17 years.)
Miner’s story is proof of how even the smallest encounters can spread outward, impacting individual lives and larger communities.
Discover how Emma’s journey reflects an overarching effort shaping Nevada’s future — and beyond.