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from the issue of March 8, 2007
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Q&A with David Burge
David Burge, host of UNL's Real Nebraska, finished as runner-up in the NBC "Today" show's Anchor for Today contest. The bow-tie wearing associate director of admissions attended a conference in Washington, D.C. earlier this week, but discussed his NBC experience with University Communications' Sara Pipher.
| | ON SET - David Burge poses with Ann Curry, Today show cohost. Courtesy photo.
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Q: How does it feel to be Nebraska's most famous second place finisher?
David: It feels good to join the ranks of Clay Aiken and Jennifer Hudson, they both are reality show losers as well. Apparently, there is life after appearing on reality television.
Q: Describe for us your experience in New York.
David: I would report to the studio around 8 and get hair and makeup. One of the NBC pages would really hassle me to "get in the chair" but the hair and make-up people hating working with me because I have so little hair and so much natural beauty. Around 9, they would parade us up to the studio and we would sit in chairs and wave at the camera as the show went to commercial. Believe it or not, this was the hardest part because there are only so many ways you can wave your hands.
I was doing regular radio interviews with three different radio stations, three different newspapers, I did a satellite remote with the Hastings NBC affiliate, and tried to help facilitate a Facebook presence. After the show was over, I did about three hours of follow-up to keep the word out among the media and my friends. After a late lunch, I would try to do some Admissions stuff but the phone kept ringing off the hook.
On the last day, they put us through "Anchor boot camp." We filmed several pieces with Ann Curry and Natalie Morales on the Today Show couch and then with Al in his dressing room. I attended a "rundown" meeting with the producers (all 18 of them).
Q: What kind of support did you receive from your friends and fans at UNL?
David: I am so proud to be a Husker! From the students in the Facebook group to all of the faculty and staff who e-mailed me their support, I couldn't have asked for a better reception from the campus community. I was disappointed in the outcome of this only because so many on our campus worked so hard to get me there and keep me there.
Q: Did you orchestrate highlighting your N pin on national TV? How many plugs do you think you got in for the university?
David: I wore the Husker bow tie on the Friday that I made the finals and the "N" pin for the other days. Many of the cast and crew commented on it so Ann naturally asked me about it on television. I tried to work in a Nebraska plug every chance I got but none was as solid as the Monday interview where the camera zoomed in on it. I heard the Nielsen share was 4.17 million for that day.
Q: How did Today show production compare to your Real Nebraska filming experiences?
David: I loved doing the Today show but I have so much more freedom when filming a Real Nebraska. On the Today Show, there are four to six people competing to talk at the same time so I have to be funny in a hurry.
Q: Did you pal around with the other contestants, or was it a cutthroat competition 24/7?
David: (Contest winner) Brad (Hook) and I got pretty close on the last day and he called me after it was all over to tell me that they ran more footage of us Friday. He is just as nice as he looked on TV.
Q: Rumor has it you met current "it" girl Jennifer Hudson. How did that happen and what was she like?
David: I had a brief encounter with her in the hallway and she is just as nice (and pretty) as can be. I thought it appropriate considering how she had started as a reality show loser just like me. Something tells me you won't be seeing any Oscars in my hand any time soon, I like it too much in Nebraska.
Q: Jennifer Hudson lost on American Idol, but went on to win an Oscar. Do you feel that great success may still be in your future?
David: I'm not sure what the future holds for me but we still have a lot of work to do in the Admissions office to bring in a freshman class that is even bigger, smarter, and more diverse than the last.
Q: Was there a favorite moment?
David: Without a doubt, it had to be the last morning when I filmed a bit with Matt Lauer. He was covered by a sheet getting his makeup done giving me advice and then stood up to reveal he was wearing a bow tie, just like me. It's available on the Web site but the technical problems kept the show from airing it . . . I was more disappointed about that than not winning. But hey, I filmed a bit with Matt Lauer.
GO TO: ISSUE OF MARCH 8
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Q&A with David Burge
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