A news contributor for Civic Media, Austin Brumet, is the WBA Young Professional of the Month for the month of February.
The WBA Young Professional of the Month is a nominee for the WBA Young Professional of the Year Award. The award seeks to recognize young broadcasters who have made a significant impact on their stations and communities. A subcommittee of the WBA Board of Directors will select the Young Professional of the Year, who will be recognized at the 2025 WBA Summer Conference on June 18 in La Crosse.
Brumet was nominated by Civic Media Program Director Joel Karnick, who said Brumet joined the station right out of high school, starting as a board operator for local games and church services.
“He quickly added on-air responsibilities, such is various on-air shifts, co-hosting our Shopping Show and Reality Radio and helping with live broadcasts. Austin has also taken on the duty of putting together a daily four-minute newscast that airs several times throughout the day. This added responsibility includes gathering information about local events and incorporating state news from our Civic Media news stations.,” Karnick wrote.
Brumet is also involved in local clubs and charitable causes.
“He is a rising star in radio and social media platforms,” Karnick wrote.
Nominate a YP of the Month here.
Here’s more about Austin:
Company: Civic Media
Position: News Director
Years at station: Two
Started in broadcasting (year): 2023
- How did you get into broadcasting?
I was trying to plan out potential careers that coincided with my skills and interests. I remembered my hometown has a station, gave them a call, and the rest is history.
- How do you view the role of young professionals in broadcasting?
I believe we are very important. The future of the industry rests with us young professionals. It’s up to us to ensure the legacy and values of broadcasting can continue long into the future.
- What advice would you give to other young broadcasters?
Always remember, you are your own harshest critic. There’s going to be many projects you work on where you might think it’s terrible even while others tell you it’s great. Listen to those people. They hear it from an outside perspective, the same as our listeners. Deep breath, you’re going to do great!
- What does the future of broadcasting look like to you?
I believe it will continue to evolve. Even in my own network I’ve seen the rise of apps and streaming vs. traditional radio. I believe that will continue. Traditional radio probably won’t ever go away completely, but apps and other various mediums are definitely going to only grow in popularity.
