Ryan Steineckert Named New KSUU Station Manager

Posted: November 17, 2020 | Author: Addison Horsley | Read Time: 2 minutes

ryan-steineckertSouthern Utah University was in for a change this past summer when Cal Rollins retired from being station manager at Southern Utah University’s KSUU-Thunder 91. Ryan Steineckert has taken the reins this fall, managing the station and teaching radio courses for SUU’s Communication Department.

Steineckert got his first taste of radio being a DJ for Pleasant Grove High School’s station “The Pig,” but he gained the foundation for his love of radio, especially broadcasting, at SUU. After one Intro to Radio course and the opportunity to be the color commentator during an SUU women’s basketball preseason game, he found himself wanting to cover as many college and high school games as he could. Sports broadcasting and co-hosting the Morning Brew on Power 91 (now called Thunder 91) was the start of Steineckert’s impressive portfolio that eventually landed him his dream job.

“I can’t count the times a stranger has come up to me, skipped all the small talk, and started talking to me like we’re friends,” said Steineckert. “They’ve spent time with me through the radio, through my broadcasts.”

After graduating from SUU in 2005, Steineckert became a jack of all trades in Burns, Oregon, where he used his DJ skills, hosted a morning show, and did play-by-play sports coverage. After eight quick years, he relocated to Evanston, Wyoming and honed his game-coverage skills with Cook Brothers Broadcasting. When he learned of Rollin’s retirement, he knew this was a pivotal point in his career. Loaded with experience, he prepared himself to be the best candidate for the KSUU-Thunder 91 station manager position. Steineckert is happy being back in Cedar City and particularly pleased with his students.

“I’m loving the energy of the students and working with them, that’s been the best part so far,” said Steineckert.

His plans for the station include expanding the program to accommodate more students and increasing its influence throughout the region as an educational resource. As an instructor, he wants to create a sports broadcasting course as well. In just one semester, Steineckert and his students have already had great success at the KSUU-Thunder 91 radio station, and look forward to seeing it grow in the future.


Produced by SUU’s Communication Department

The SUU Communication Department strives to prepare students for success in the professional world through practical application of mass media theories and experiential learning opportunities in human communication. The department has invested in programs such as the Eye Tracker Lab, KSUU-FM (Thunder 91), SUTV, SUUNEWS.net, and the Speech and Presentation Center. These programs allow students to gain real-world experience as they engage in practical learning that simulates the professional world.

For more on this story, contact Addison Horsley at addiehorsley@gmail.com.

This article was published more than 3 years ago and might contain outdated information or broken links. As a result, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

Tags: College of Humanities and Social Sciences Communication

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