Ryan Brahm Argues How Broadcasters Can Handle Public Criticism

News director Ryan Brahm examines the psychological toll of public criticism on media workers, detailing personal experiences and gathering strategies from regional broadcasting figures across the state. Brahm notes that over his more than ten-year career, he has mostly grown accustomed to letting negative feedback roll off his back, though personal remarks still affect him.

Coping With Personal Attacks in Wausau Top 40 Radio

Kori Kay, a program director and morning show host for NRG Media in Wausau, addresses listeners through both traditional broadcasting and unconventional audio bits. When a listener posted online that she was “cringy AF” and called her “an embarrassment to our race,” Kay responded by producing an original song dedicated to the critic. She argues that Top 40 broadcasters do not always need to take themselves seriously, turning hostile feedback into broadcast material rather than letting it derail their daily work. Kay acknowledges that she does not possess a singing voice, but notes that most listeners loved her musical segments and found her willingness to perform impressive.

Early Career Scrutiny in Manitowoc Broadcasting

Terry Stevenson, vice president of Seehafer Broadcasting in Manitowoc, points out that visibility is an inherent requirement of the job for anyone whose face, voice, or name is attached to local media. Starting as a full-time salesperson at age 18, Stevenson faced early skepticism regarding age and credibility. Establishing a reputation for consistent reliability allows broadcasters to accept constructive evaluation while maintaining professional confidence, according to Stevenson’s account.

Addressing Appearance-Based Critique in Madison Newsrooms

Gabriella Rusk, morning anchor and executive producer at WMTV 15 News in Madison, notes that while factual corrections are welcome, viewers frequently target anchors’ physical appearances, including hair, makeup, and wardrobe choices. Rusk observes that people tend to offer criticism faster than compliments, and she adopts a strategy of responding directly to mean or degrading social media messages with civility. This approach often reminds online users that real humans read and process digital comments, helping establish empathy across station platforms.

Mental Health Support Inside Wisconsin Newsrooms

Brahm reports that moving past insults is frequently harder than standard advice suggests, especially with stories that he put a lot of time and effort into. Ryan Brahm, news director at WOMT Radio in Manitowoc, points out that broadcasters are constantly in the public eye while families watch evening news, commuters listen to morning shows, and community members read local reporting. To combat the isolating nature of persistent online negativity, media workers are encouraged to seek out trusted colleagues within their organizations for peer support. For people dealing with stress or burnout from public-facing professional roles, letting feelings out can be a huge help.