From Campus Broadcasts to the Corner Office: Iowa Lakes Alumna Leads KTIV Television

For Bridget Breen, the path to leading one of the region’s premier television stations began in the studios of Iowa Lakes.

Today, Breen serves as Vice President and General Manager of KTIV Television/Gray Media, but her passion for broadcasting first took shape as a student at Iowa Lakes. A 1994 graduate and recipient of the Jim Hall Outstanding Alumni Award, Breen credits the hands-on experiences she received during college with helping launch a successful career in media leadership.

As a student, Breen immersed herself in campus life through the Broadcast Club, where classroom learning quickly turned into real-world experience. Students filmed athletic events, covered activities across campus and surrounding communities, traveled with teams, and produced content for audiences beyond the classroom. Those experiences not only sharpened technical skills but also built confidence and professionalism.

One memory, however, still stands out decades later.

“One of my favorite memories from Iowa Lakes was being part of the student-run radio and television station that aired on the local cable access channel. The hands-on experience was invaluable and gave me a strong foundation for my career,” Breen said. “One especially memorable project was a fundraiser that my classmate, Bernie Poeppe Merrill, and I hosted by staying on the air for what I remember being nearly 48 hours!”

Her dedication to broadcasting was recognized while she was still a student when she received the Most Valuable Broadcaster (MVB) Award in 1994. After Iowa Lakes, Breen continued investing in her professional growth through nationally recognized leadership programs, including The Poynter Institute, the Walker Broadcast Management Institute, and the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation’s Broadcast Leadership Program.

Looking back, Breen says the practical learning opportunities at Iowa Lakes made a lasting impact.

“The hands-on learning at Iowa Lakes made all the difference in my education and development. Iowa Lakes gave me many wonderful memories and opportunities throughout my career.”

Breen’s journey reflects what makes an Iowa Lakes education unique. Through hands-on experiences, dedicated faculty, and opportunities to lead from day one, students graduate prepared to make an impact in their professions and communities.

Whether your future is in communications, business, healthcare, agriculture, skilled trades, or countless other fields, every success story begins with an opportunity to learn by doing.

Ready to start your own story? Explore Iowa Lakes programs and discover where your future can begin.