Katy Winge (MSJ17)

Reporter, Analyst and Host at Altitude TV

Katy Winge is the first female analyst in the Denver Nuggets franchise history, and she is extremely proud to hold that title. 

Her Medill master’s in journalism with a sports specialization was the catalyst to getting where she is today. Winge uses the skills she learned at Medill daily.

Tell me about your career path. How did you get where you are today?

I’ve played basketball my entire life, so my love of the game is really what has led me to this point. I played from third grade all the way through college at the Division I level on a scholarship at Illinois State where I double majored in marketing and broadcast journalism. After that, I worked in local television in a small market in Minnesota as a news producer and sports anchor for 8 months before I decided to get my master’s in journalism at Medill.

My time at Northwestern is a big reason why I am where I am today. My professors prepared me and gave me the tools to be successful, and my mentors gave me real world advice that allowed me to grow and develop very quickly. Right out of Medill, I got the job as the Denver Nuggets in-arena reporter and host of my own show, Courtside Countdown that was live during warm-ups and halftime. From there, the regional sports network (Altitude TV) saw me in that role and asked me to come over to the television side. Now I’m in my third season with them as a reporter, host, and analyst. 

What are your main responsibilities as a reporter, analyst and host at Altitude TV?

I like to refer to myself as a utility player - whatever the team needs me to do on any given night, my versatility allows me to do that. Here’s a basic breakdown of what I do in each role covering the Denver Nuggets: 

• Sideline Reporter: I prepare in-game reports and stories to add throughout the broadcast as well as conduct live interviews with coaches and players. 
• Color Analyst on TV or radio broadcast: I watch previous games and study our team and the opponent and get to break down the game as it’s happening for our audience.
• Hosting the pregame/halftime/postgame: I plan the show with our producer and act as the traffic conductor, encouraging our analysts to talk about the game and also setting the table for the matchup. 
• Analyst on the pregame/halftime/postgame: Similar to the analyst during the game, I essentially give the x’s and o’s of the game for both teams and what’s been trending with them. I watch the game and then provide insight and analysis on the outcome. 

For all these jobs, I’m expected to keep up with what’s happening around the NBA, be on Zoom calls with the team and coaching staff, and keep up on the notes and stories. I'm also the host of a weekly fantasy football show during football season, Fantasy Football Hour, and for that I'm setting up my two analysts to give their takes and opinions in creative and entertaining ways.

How has your Medill training helped you in your career so far?

I use the skills I learned at Medill every day in my career. I went into the program asking all the faculty and staff to help me get comfortable being uncomfortable. I didn't want there to be a situation post-graduation that I could potentially be thrown into that I didn't think I could handle. Medill helped me grow through my mistakes. From my live shots and shows, to my interviewing and writing skills, my foundation was built from what I learned at Northwestern. It set me up to succeed and gave me the confidence to know that when an opportunity presented itself, I would be ready. 

What is a class or experience that sticks out in your mind and why? 

Two things: The capstone project was huge for me. We made a website to stream our shows and features on, and it allowed me to create content I needed for my own website and my own reel to get the job in Denver. The second experience was Medill Explores. Our sports group went on a trip to NYC where we met with a handful of media entities, production companies, and agencies. I met people in the industry that I still keep in contact with that have helped me with advice or have wanted to work with me, all because of that trip. 

I also was very fortunate that working with Medill allowed me to go to both the NBA Summer League & the NBA Draft. The credential got me in the door. I had saved my money and paid for the trip and the stay, but ultimately it was so worth the investment and I wouldn't have had those opportunities without Medill. 

How has the Northwestern/Medill network and/or Medill Career Services helped you advance in your career?

I meet Medill alumni all the time in my career. They have given me advice, been guests on our shows in Denver, and have helped me become the best version of myself. 

What advice do you have for someone considering Medill?

If you're ready to be pushed outside your comfort zone and work hard to achieve what you want, this is the program for you. The most growth happens outside our comfort zones. You want to get comfortable being uncomfortable and take a leap as a professional and a person? That's what Medill did for me.