For the 45 minutes that Omaha radio personality Matt Tompkins talked to a UNO Media Storytelling class, the message he pounded was hard and consistent. 

“Become really good at a lot of things,” he told the students. “Do not be expendable.” 

Tompkins, who is a morning host at 101.9 The Keg, has a wide variety of radio and television production experiences. He is living what he is preaching. He has hosted and produced radio and television shows for both media in the Omaha metro area as well as SeriusXM and I Heart Media. 

In the fast-paced and constantly changing world of media, Tompkins stressed three main factors for success that he has learned through his 15 years in the field. Those factors include quality, resilience and consistency; all of which he gave examples of how those traits helped him in his career. 

As a UNO student himself, Matt took on varied internships, and learned several different skills that ultimately helped him with other positions.  He encouraged the students to take on many different roles, all of which are learning opportunities. 

“Learning the skills behind the camera literally put me in front of the camera,” he said, speaking of his 50-hour a week internship and other opportunities.

Those years of varied and hard work ultimately led to a successful Omaha-based late night comedy television show which Tompkins planned and produced with his brother. 

 “Effort is such a key ingredient, more so than just talent. Tons of effort and tons of talent make superstars.”

He also added that as radio stations focus on making money, the employees need to stay strategic in staying ahead and produce quality work, so they do not end up expendable.  

“You want this radio station to think that by keeping me here, they can make money,” he said. “You want to develop a reputation where people won’t even question hiring you.” 

And when things don’t go as expected, which does happen, Tompkins encourages resiliency. “Don’t let them get you down. Everyone on the planet has a good idea . . . you need to keep trying to be successful.” 

My thoughts: as a student in this class, I wish this conversation could have gone on for hours longer. It was my first and fascinating glimpse into the radio media world. I guess I could take Matt’s advice, and learn more on my own! For more information, contact Matt at twobrotherscreative@gmail.com

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