Cisco Cotto

WIU Connection: 1998 B.A. Communication and Political Science

Current position: Midday Anchor and Noon Business Hour Host on WBBM Newsradio Chicago

Watch at: WBBM News Radio

Best Advice: "Broadcasting is a skill that requires lots of practice. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to take any job in broadcasting. Just like an athlete, you need reps. Get as many of them as you can and you can have a long, fruitful career."

Denise Hnytka

WIU Connection: 2006 B.A. Broadcasting

Current position: Evening News Anchor WQAD-TV Moline, Illinois and host of On a Mother Level podcast

Watch at: WQAD or Podcast at On A Mother Level WQAD

Best Advice: "Apply for the job in the city you've never heard of. Say yes when you're offered that weekend assignment. Next thing you know, you'll be broadcasting from your basement during a pandemic and hosting a podcast from your closet. Every day is different, but that's what I love about this career."

Chris Lovingood

WIU Connection: 2014 B.A. Broadcasting

Current position: Weekend Anchor, Weekday Morning Reporter
at WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh, PA

Watch at: WTAE or livestream at WTAE Nowcast

Best Advice: "Say 'yes' when you can, know when to say 'no', and be open to criticism and self-improvement.

Lastly: "never stop asking 'why?'."

Mark Moses

WIU Connection: 2005 B.A. Broadcasting

Current position: Program Director Sports Radio 1560 The Fan & 95.9 The Rocket, Sports Talk Show Host-The Mark Moses Show, and On-Air Contributor-Spectrum Sports 360-Olrando

Watch at: Sportsradio1560.com or The Mark Moses Show

Best Advice: "Take advantage of every opportunity presented in front of you."

Ryan Mumma

WIU Connection: 2018 B.A. Broadcasting

Current position: Co-Host on WGEM Sports Center on WGEM in Quincy, IL

Watch at: WGEM AM-1440 FM-98.9

Best Advice: "Don’t try and be someone you’re not. Just be yourself and you’ll go places!"

Mike Curkov

WIU Connection: 2006 B.A. Broadcasting

Current position: Morning News Anchor, CBS 58 (WDJT), Milwaukee, WI

Watch at: CBS58 or Mike Curkov's YouTube

Best Advice: "Try everything, outwork everyone. Learning and trying as much as I could about editing, shooting, anchoring, reporting, sports, news lead to so much adaptability and versatility later in my career. It's opened so many more doors to be able to say 'Yes, I can do that."

Dylan Austin

WIU Connection: 2010 B.A. Broadcasting

Current position: Evening Anchor on WGEM in Quincy, IL

Watch at: WGEM LIVESTREAM | Facebook | Twitter

Best Advice: "Don't rush your career. Learn to be flexible and allow your path to unfold naturally. Don't be discouraged early, because you will struggle. You will work long hours for low pay and question why you decided to do this. But the grind will be worth it.
Your job is one of very few protected by the Constitution. Take that responsibility seriously. Above all else, tell the truth. Get the facts and tell the truth. Be unapologetic. Ask hard questions to those in power and be fearless in your pursuit. Our future depends on it."

Tegan Orpet

WIU Connection: 2002 B.A. Broadcasting

Current position: Morning Weather Anchor, KHQA for 18 years

Watch at: KHQA

Best Advice: "Always be open to learning new things. The more you learn and achieve, will only make you a stronger employee. This industry is constantly changing and we have to be willing to change with it."