Matt Winthrop. K. Gabalski photo
Matt Winthrop of Chili says he loves his work as a radio producer/broadcaster for iHeartMedia (formerly Clear Channel) in Rochester.
“I like being on the air, I love being in front of a camera,” he says. “I enjoy talking and giving my opinion and interacting with listeners.”
Winthrop – a 2009 graduate of Churchville-Chili High School and a 2014 graduate of the College at Brockport – is the new pre, post and between periods radio host for all Rochester Amerks games broadcast on Fox Sports 1280 WHTK this season.
“Don Stevens (the Voice of the Rochester Americans) calls the games and I work with him,” Winthrop explains.
He began working for iHeartMedia/Clear Channel during his last year at Brockport – behind the scenes at first, running the board and producing games.
“I’ve been climbing the ladder since then,” Winthrop says.
His current duties continue to include the production side of the Amerks broadcast as well as previewing games, selecting highlights (he watches the games on his laptop from the studio) and playing game highlights and interviews.
The post-game shows he hosts include taking texts and phone calls from listeners – something he has come to enjoy.
“I know some callers by their name and voice. I appreciate them calling in, it helps me out,” he says.
He notes the step-up to being on-air was most challenging the first couple of weeks of the season, but being familiar with the behind-the-scenes production side of the broadcast helped to calm any anxiety.
He says he doesn’t get nervous in front of the mic or the camera and additionally does TV play-by-play of high school hockey for WBTG – My 18 Sports in Rochester.
“I love it,” he says of broadcasting and hopes to move ahead with his on-air work and eventually call professional games. “I want to do a play-by-play position in the near future,” Winthrop says.
He first became interested in sports broadcasting around age eleven when he enjoyed watching Barry Melrose on ESPN.
“In high school I was more indifferent,” Winthrop explains. He played baseball growing up and has never played hockey. “It was at Brockport I realized this is what I want to do.”
He says his experiences at WBSU-FM 89.1 the Point at the College at Brockport, helped spark his interest in broadcasting and has opened doors for him in the industry.
While at the Point, he called high school hockey games for three seasons and one season of college hockey in addition to being operations manager of the station his final year.
WBSU General Manager Warren “Koz” Kozireski was especially helpful, Winthrop says.
“Koz gets a lot of credit,” he explains. “Hundreds of people have come out of there (the Point). He is a mentor to many students. We keep in contact and I seek his advice. It’s great to still have him as a resource. He is so helpful.”
