When the original plans were being crafted about creating a radio station in Huntley, most of the benefits to the community were obvious. One was not. The profound impact we would have on college students to help shape their educational experience, and probably ultimately their careers, was not on the list.
Greg Hill, Curtis Koch, Michael Geheren, and John Benedeck are four of the many young people that all started their radio careers at Huntley Community Radio and are continuing to pursue related interests in college and beyond.
Hill, a broadcasting student at the University of La-Crosse in Wisconsin, was a producer and host at HCR. He continues to host a show in LaCrosse called “Prime Time Radio with Brandon & Greg”. Greg told me when he began as a student at LaCrosse, he was light years ahead of other students who were interns at stations as they never had actual on-air or producing experience.
Former HCR intern Michael Geheren meets presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, during his work with KELO in South Dakota. (Photo provided)
Koch is currently studying radio broadcasting at Columbia College in Chicago. His experience at Huntley Community Radio has also scored him a internship at 105.7 The Fan in Milwaukee. Koch was served HCR as a host and producer since the station started.
He said “HCR has been a huge influence on my life. When I started out at MCC I had no clue what I wanted to do. I figured I’d take this internship as just something to do to get my feet wet in something new. All of the fantastic volunteers and other interns helped drive my passion for radio and helped me find something I wanted to do. I have learned so much at HCR, such as learning how to edit audio and handle podcasts. Not only this, HCR has helped me interact with others and develop friendships with people having the same passion as myself.”
Geheren, a student at The University of South Dakota school of Journalism, said “Huntley Community Radio provided me with the experience that helped me to go into the industry ahead of my peers. The hands-on experience was invaluable and something that has really helped me excel.”
After an internship on WGN TV and WGN Radio, Geheren is currently working for KELO in South Dakota where he is meeting many political giants such as Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Donald Trump.
Benedeck is a current intern. A sophomore at McHenry County College, he produces many shows at HCR, is on the air frequently, is a daily contributor to the news and much more. He says “HCR has not only opened up doors for future endeavors, but it has also enlightened my interests. I would not have ambition for pursuing a career in radio if not for this station.”
Koch adds “Thanks to HCR, I currently attend Columbia College Chicago to major in radio. Both Columbia and HCR have helped me get to where I am today. Besides hosting a sports show at HCR, the tools I learned at HCR has helped me with other internships. I currently intern at WSSP 105.7 FM The Fan in the greater Milwaukee area. My goal is to one day cover the Chicago sports teams. I cannot imagine where I would be today if I turned down the internship through MCC. I have nothing but good memories and thoughts about HCR.”
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So proud of what these young men have accomplished in a short time. As a co-host of Sports Round up with Curtis, Gary Krewer, and Chris Cunningham, I have been in awe of these guys. Curtis also produces my other show “Travelin’ Man” and is a magician with the technical functions. I couldn’t do without him.