If you know the Daily Lobo, then you know the work of our departing Managing Editor Nate Bernard. As managing editor, Bernard is responsible for ensuring that everything published in the Daily Lobo is correct and clear. If you trust us, you trust him.
Bernard began his career three years ago at the Lobo like many, he said, as a freelance reporter for the news desk. As a political science and psychology double major, Bernard said his work as a journalist allowed him a new perspective on what it means to make change and do good work.
“Oftentimes, we’re told that the only change we can make is the big sweeping changes to the federal government, but in actuality, the biggest changes that we can make are right here at home,” Bernard said. “The Daily Lobo is how I sought to make those changes and hold powerful people accountable.”
Prior to being the Lobo’s managing editor, Bernard worked as the news editor, where he was responsible for curating article topics for reporters, directing the staff’s and the public’s attention to important issues such as the goings-on of local and federal government, as well as ongoing protest movements.
In 2024, activists established an encampment near the UNM duck pond to protest University investments in Israel, which Bernard contributed reporting on.
“It was thrilling and important reporting to understand exactly what the encampment wanted to achieve, but also uncover their questions as well. One specific question they had was about University investments in the state of Israel. And with Lily Alexander, we both, through using publicly accessible data, found the investments not only in Israel, but in weapons manufacturing and also in tobacco products. That was an incredibly impactful piece,” Bernard said.
Some of Bernard’s memorable coverage was of the 2024 election, particularly the rally held by Donald Trump near the Albuquerque Sunport in October 2024.
“One thing that struck me was when speaking to people on the left and on the right, whether they were Harris or Trump supporters, they were incredibly kind. It shows how similar Americans are, even though they might have different values,” he said. “We’re all here together, and we all want to improve this country. And that was heartwarming to see, that no matter who it was, what side of the political spectrum, they were respectful and kind.”
One of his favorite pieces was of a UNM professor who sent tomatoes into space.
“Sometimes we don’t realize it, but New Mexicans are constantly making international, even out of this world, positive impacts. I have that story hung up in my bedroom to remind me of that,” he said.
More than his in-depth work as a reporter, Bernard was a trusted peer and leader at the Lobo. He hopes his legacy is one of openness and kindness.
“As a managing editor, a news editor and a reporter, I hope people will remember my coverage on important issues, but I also hope that people at the Lobo can remember the friendships and the bonds that I had with them,” Bernard said. “I hope people remember me for being friendly and accessible. That’s what matters to me.”
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Addison Fulton is the culture editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on X @dailylobo
