The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

    Alumnus scores out of state job in the broadcast industry

    Alumnus Tyler Waggenspack has traveled to Casper, Wyoming with the goal of climbing the career ladder in broadcasting.
    Courtesy of Clayton Tanner
     

    After applying to 30 broadcast stations and being contacted by only three employers, alumnus Tyler Waggenspack decided to visit KCWY-DT, an NBC affiliated station in Casper, Wyoming.

    Waggenspack accepted the position where he currently works as a reporter and anchor three days a week in addition to producing and anchoring the weekend newscasts.

    “The other two didn’t sound too promising, so I went with my gut, and sure enough, it was a good decision,” said Waggenspack. “The opportunities at KCWY seemed like a perfect fit for a beginner, and sure enough, I was right. I’m learning something new every day, and I like the challenges this job brings to me.”

    Waggenspack admits that although he enjoyed his time at the university, he was unsure of what to expect of the campus initially. 

    “After my first year, I knew attending Southeastern was the best decision I ever made,” said Waggenspack. “Majoring in communication was challenging, but it taught me valuable lessons I still carry with me today.” Waggenspack graduated in Aug. 2016 during the summer semester. He shares what important lessons he learned that surrounded his commencement. 

    Waggenspack said, “The most important lesson I took with me was resiliency. Life throws you curve balls, but it’s how you handle them and move on while learning from challenges and mistakes throughout it. I had moments where I thought I wouldn’t graduate and obtain my dream job, but I had faith and the support of my friends and family that helped me get where I am today.”

    Waggenspack praises the Southeastern Channel for “teaching him every aspect of broadcasting.” He credits his professors and instructors with aiding in his knowledge as a journalist. During his time at the channel, he worked as a reporter and anchor for three years with “Northshore News,” the newscast segment and briefly worked on “The Big Game,” the sports broadcast segment. 

    “I learned the value of telling a good story in relatable ways that greatly impacts audience members,” said Waggenspack. “The Southeastern Channel let me hone my skills and focus on improving myself as I prepared for the real world.”

    General Manager of the Southeastern Chanel Rick Settoon started the channel about fifteen years ago. He describes Waggenspack as a bright, talented, honest, unselfish, dedicated and dependable person. As a broadcaster, he admits his grit when it comes to his work. 

    “I noticed right off the bat that he was hard working and very persistent to finish his stories,” said Settoon. “He has a very pleasant and likable personality, which translates well on camera both as an anchor and as a reporter. Tyler has a great instinct for what makes a really good news story.”

    Moving to Wyoming caused Waggenspack to undergo a culture shock. He quickly noticed how rural the area was and missed many elements of classic Louisiana cuisine. However, he admits that he has gained an appreciation for Casper’s scenery. 

    “One of the best parts about living in Casper is catching the beautiful view of Casper Mountain south of the city,” said Waggenspack. “The cuisine is definitely nothing like home in terms of variety. Wyoming is a big cattle ranching state, so the natives love their meats and steak. I do too, but I miss my seafood, gumbo, jambalaya and all other Louisiana dishes.”

    Waggenspack applauded the citizens of Casper for their hospitality. 

    “The residents are so nice and have welcomed me with open arms,” said Waggenspack. “I even ran into some Louisiana folks that live here, so it feels good to have that ‘home connection’ here.”

    Waggenspack describes his methods of adaptation for dealing with sharply contrasting weather conditions. He admits that hurricane force winds with gusts can range from 30 to 80 mph during the fall, winter and spring.

    “Chap stick and hand lotion became my best friends,” said Waggenspack. “However, the winters are some of the toughest conditions I have ever been in. It snows here quite often, and the temperatures even got to 33 below zero one day. I’ve learned how to dress in layers for warmth, and drive in the snow.”

    Settoon admits that the channel is proud of Waggenspack for breaking into the world of broadcast so soon after graduation. He offers him tips for a future in his field. 

    Settoon explains, “His next step will be a much larger market, and with his outstanding work ethic and aggressiveness, he has a tremendous future at a very high level in the industry. I would tell him to just keep doing what he’s doing right now.  It’s brought him to this point, and this work ethic and attitude will continue to serve him well throughout his career as he takes future steps up the ladder.”

    Taking risks and being open to any available opportunities are among the advice that Waggenspack offers to potential broadcasters. 

    “I moved out to Casper not expecting the opportunities I have been given working in this small market,” said Waggenspack. “I recommend applying for any job in any market size, either small or big across the country. If you can’t get the position you want, then take anything you can and work your way up. It’s all about what you know and who you know in this business. There will always be room for improvement no matter where you start. When the time comes, you’ll get your chance. Just remember, if at first you don’t succeed, try and try again.”

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