By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
In 2009, Matt Althouse joined Eagle Communications in Great Bend where
he dealt with programming, traffic logs and engineering for the radio station.
Now, as General Manager for Eagle, Althouse was named a Rising Star Radio Award recipient by the Kansas Association
of Broadcasters, recognizing young broadcasters
under the age of 40 who have made a significant impact on their stations and
communities.
“I was surprised,” said Althouse. “I made my career by walking in the doors and
saying ‘can I help you with anything?’ You just feel like you’re plugging
ahead. You’re not doing anything particularly remarkable, but someone thinks it
adds up I guess.”
Althouse started his radio career in Junction City before eventually coming to
Great Bend. He served as Operations Manager before accepting the General
Manager position in 2021.
“I remember thinking about the huge responsibility of it all when I took over
as manager,” said Althouse. “It was overwhelming when you think about the
direction you take this radio station affects people’s lives and businesses. It
was not lost on me. I still think about it every day, and pray that I’m doing
the right thing.”
Randy Goering, manager at Eagle prior to Althouse, nominated Althouse and recently stopped by the station to
inform Matt of the award.
The Rising Star Award winners are selected based on their contributions to the
industry, spirit of innovation and community involvement.
“Youth without experience can be dangerous,” said Althouse. “Experience without
new ideas is also dangerous. We have youthful people around Eagle Radio in
Great Bend, but we also have tons of broadcasting experience. It’s trying to
find the best ideas from both. Find a place they can both be compatible.
Usually, that’s where the success lies.”
Lily Wu, KWCH co-anchor and multimedia journalist, won the Rising Star TV Award.
Althouse and Wu will be presented the Rising Star Award at the KAB awards dinner
Oct. 24 in Manhattan.