Western Illinois University 2006 Broadcasting alumnus Mike Curkov and his team won a regional award for Outstanding Achievement for News Gathering Arts/Entertainment News in the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of Emmy Awards.
Curkov, photojournalists Cody Bergquist and Kevin Weis and producers Randy Engel and Susanne Barthel worked on the winning story titled “Why we're using subtitles more often while watching and streaming TV shows and movies.”
Curkov interviews two professional audio engineers at Independent Studios in Milwaukee, Randy Bobo and Peter Batchelder, to find out why we need subtitles when streaming or watching TV shows and can hear classic shows more easily. Bobo and Batchelder say it has much to do with both filmmakers and streaming technologies.
To read the full story, visit https://bit.ly/46Eh1VC.
In his acceptance speech on a Facebook post, Curkov stated that teamwork and collaboration were the missing ingredients needed to achieve his goal.
“I’ve tried for years to win. I was always devastated after the list came out. I didn’t get what I was missing,” Curkov said. “Once I went from my work to our work, really good stuff started happening.”
Curkov is a morning news anchor at WDJT CBS 58 News, where he has covered the Bucks championship parade and the Super Bowl. He has won seven Wisconsin Broadcasters Association awards and has been nominated for two regional Emmys.
Before joining CBS 58 News, Curkov worked with Nexstar Broadcasting Group as the sports director for a year and the morning news anchor from 2014-2016. In addition, Curkov has worked as a producer, media relations director, marketing director, sports director and group sales staff member in various media outlets.
Curkov is an active volunteer at various local non-profits, dedicating his time to making a positive impact in the community. He extends his passion for community involvement by serving as a youth football coach and holding the role of t-ball vice president at Grafton Little League. His commitment to philanthropy extends to organizations such as the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer (MACC) Fund, Wisconsin Humane Society and Operations Finally Home, among others.
Beyond his philanthropic endeavors, Curkov wears another hat as a professional wrestler with Great Lakes Championship Wrestling, SSW Entertainment and One Fall Entertainment. Under the stage name "Iron Mike," he achieved success by winning the Great Lakes Championship Wrestling (GLCW) tag team competition in 2022 alongside World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) legend AI Snow. His multifaceted involvement reflects a dedication to both community service and the world of professional wrestling.