Journalist Leo Adam Biga Shares His 5 Must-Haves
MY FIVE: A series where we ask Omahans to share their five favorite things
Meet Leo A. Biga
Longtime journalist and author Biga shares his background in the newsprint world and tells us about his five favorite items.
Omaha native Leo Adam Biga takes pride in his vibrant hometown. He honed his journalistic skills at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and started his career in nonprofit public relations. He has worked with institutions like UNO and Joslyn Art Museum. Biga eventually transitioned to freelance writing contributing to The Reader, an entertainment tabloid newspaper, where he developed his craft.
Over the years, Biga has also contributed in the fields of arts, culture, social justice, and sports to Omaha Magazine, Flatwater Free Press, and the American Theatre.
Biga is also a prolific author who has worked with Avenue Scholars, Aksarben Foundation, NorthStar Foundation, Opera Omaha, Tri-Faith Initiative, Temple Israel, Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, Valmont, Woodmen, OPPD, and Nebraska Methodist Health System.
Biga's dedication to his craft has been recognized by the Nebraska Press Association and the Omaha Press Club. He was awarded an international journalism grant from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
His books include:
•Alexander Payne: His Journey in Film
•Crossing Bridges: A Priest’s Uplifting Life Among the Downtrodden
•Nebraska Methodist College at 125: Scaling New Heights •Forever Grateful: The Gift of New Life from Organ Donation
Biga is going to be releasing a new book this fall about an Afghan refugee's journey from adversity to prosperity. The story is based on a family history narrative project for a multi-generational Nebraska family.
If you would like to learn more about Biga, feel free to contact him directly at 402-445-4666 or leo4024510617maple@gmail.com.
1. Classic Movies.
The term “classic” means different things to different people. For me, a classic movie must have been originally released at least a generation ago. But age itself is not a classic make. Stand-the-test-of-time quality is the real standard. As a film journalist and author and as a former film programmer, I can be a bit of a movie snob. What I really try to do, though, is to expose people to films they may not know about or that they may pass over just because they are “old” or in black and white.
2. Good Food.
Again, food takes and tastes are as variable as people’s personalities. As a foodie, I have a fairly sophisticated and adventurous palate that cuts across a wide swath of cultures and cuisines. If I go too long without something I consider special, crankiness ensues. That something special can be something I make myself or something I get dining out. It can be an old comfort favorite or an entirely new eating experience.
3. Variety/Diversity.
As a journalist, my writing-reporting covers many subjects, which is the way I prefer it. Although there are certain things I enjoy revisiting, I feel most alive as a writer when I am pivoting from one thing to another. If nothing else, it helps keep the juices flowing. Variety and diversity truly are the spice of life and work. It’s why I have written for diverse, niche media serving the senior, African-American, Latinx, and Jewish communities as well as for the metro’s leading alternative newspaper, statewide publications, and small-town papers. I have also contributed to publications devoted to theater, the performing arts, and sports.
4. Inspiration.
Good ideas can come from anywhere, which is why I try staying receptive to the news and to people and events in the world around me because I never know what may inspire a new pitch or take. Books, articles, movies, plays, and songs can clear my head or refuel my empty tank. Even interviews I do can inspire me. When I’m learning and moved by something, inspiration flows.
5. Clients.
All of my writing for hire is in service to others. Whatever the project, it is not about me but about the client and their needs. Sometimes as a writer you get wrapped up in your own head, but a healthy antidote for that is communicating with a client and staying on task with project goals. Staying client-focused also reminds me to be grateful for the work I get assigned or commissioned to do. The more clients care about their project, the more I want to perform above and beyond for them. If it’s something that serves the greater good, so much the better.
Xitlally Velasco is a University of Nebraska at Omaha journalism student with a concentration in public relations and advertising and a minor in Psychology. Velasco is the Digital Content Curator at Lozafina Marketing and Public Relations. Send your tips and story ideas to office@lozafina.com
