Communiqué
WOUB Senior Spotlight: Matthew Putnam
< < Back toBy Kae Walther
ATHENS, OH – Matthew Putnam, a senior studying media arts production at Ohio University, says he is excited for his next step after graduation. Putnam is headed to Colorado Springs, Colorado to work for Nexstar Media Group as a videographer and media editor. A long-term goal for Putnam is to eventually work in film production and maybe attend film school.
Originally from Chillicothe, Ohio, Putnam says Ohio University was an easy choice for him.
“Coming into college, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do,” said Putnam. “I always liked just doing creative stuff, no matter what it was.”
After his first semester being completely online due to COVID-19, Putnam discovered the media arts production program. He really enjoyed the program because he was able to develop a solid relationship with his professors.
During one of Putnam’s classes, he visited the set of WOUB TV’s nightly half-hour news program, NewsWatch. He was able to see the camera equipment and how the program was set up. Putnam said that led him to becoming more involved with WOUB.
“That’s a really good way to get into something. If you just start showing up and start doing things, that’s it.”
Putnam also participated in the WOUB Summer Internship Program in 2023, which he says was a memory he looks back on fondly.
“It’s like doing a professional job, in a professional setting, but it’s still with the safety net of professionals who know and want the best for you and want to give you good experience.”
Putnam participated in the WOUB Job Connection Program, where media recruiters visit campus twice a year to interview WOUB students for jobs and internships. He calls the experience useful because he was able to learn about all the opportunities in news media.
During his free time, Putnam enjoys making short films with his friends. He was also briefly involved in the local Athens band, The Laughing Chimes.
As he moves on from Ohio University and out of Athens, Putnam has advice for incoming freshmen and underclassmen.
“[Ohio University] is the perfect place to try as much stuff as you want. This is your first time living, so figure out what pace works for you and take your own time to figure things out.”