10 Questions with ... John Glenn

NAME:John Glenn TITLE:Program Director: Country Formats STATION:63 and counting MARKET:Nationwide Network COMPANY:Waitt Radio Networks - A Division of NRG Media BORN:February 26th a few years ago RAISED:Kearney, NE

Please outline your radio career so far:

College Radio in Kearney, Full-Time radio in Grand Island and then onto Omaha, NE.

1) What exactly is the Waitt Radio Network. Please explain for people who may not know.

We are a Radio Network providing quality programming to radio stations 24/7 365. We give stations music on their hard drives, Imaging and localized breaks specifically for their market. Imagine network talent talking about the weather in your city or plugging the bake sale at the church this weekend. It's being done every hour of the day here at the Waitt Radio Networks.

2) Do your affiliates run some programming or the whole shebang or do they have a choice. And do you offer more than one format?

We offer numerous formats, Commercial Production services AND each station has a choice of talents they want to use. Formats include, Country Today, Country Classics, BOB FM, AC Active, Modern Rock, Genuine Classic Rock, AC Pure, Oldies Plus, The BAR and The LOUNG.

3. Do you offer an all-inclusive format to stations, with talent included?

We offer flexibility no other Radio Network can match. If you have a radio station that has a staff already on board you can use our services for the weekends and run LIVE during the week. Remember we provide our affiliates with a computer and operating system with the Music Library already on the hard drive. You plug it in dial up the satellite and you have a radio station that can be used by your Local staff and then switch over to the network during the hours you desire.

4. Who owns the WRN?

We are a division of the NRG Media Company.

5. Tell us about your new Country format,

"The Bar." It's a Fresh mix of Country Music and Rock songs. They are all familiar tunes we grew up listening to, we want this format to be what you would hear at your favorite watering hole. Listen to the Jukebox the next time you are enjoying a frosty brew, you will get a mix of Country songs and rock songs, all of them are good.

6. Is it true that this format basically evolved when I was hanging with you at the Bridge Bar at CRS and if so, I think you owe me some money.

Let me check with our legal team before I answer this question.

7. Okay, maybe that's a distortion. Who is the brain(s) behind the bar?

The BAR is the Brain Child of Joel Folger and Dean James.

8. Will this only be offered to WRN affiliates? (This is where you can give your sales plugs).

This format is perfect for an HD Channel, Internet streams or radio station protecting a country station in a market or a signal trying to carve out a unique image in a highly competitive Country Market. Log onto www.wrnonline.com for more info and to listen to The BAR.

9. Is there room for another Country format you think, and of course you'll say yes, so tell us why.

Country music is a "lifestyle" not a set list of songs. Give the format a listen and you will catch yourself singing along with songs you haven't heard in a while and Cool Rock tracks you remember listening to when you were younger, Isn't Bon Jovi making a Country record? How many rock acts are mentioned in Country songs today. Skynyrd, The Eagles, Bruce Springsteen are acts country listeners love and will listen to at "The Bar"

10. When the John Glenn story hits the big screen, what Hollywood actor do you see playing you.

Tom Cruise, without a doubt.

1. What does one do for fun in Omaha, do you love it there?

Omaha is a wonderful place to live and work.

What to do in Omaha? Go to the "Kick Off" show to every major concert this Summer, College World Series, The Zoo here is one of the best in America and of Course the Nebraska Cornhuskers are only an hour away. GO BIG RED!!! If anyone wants to come to Omaha and needs a tour guide call me 402-952-7613

2. Did you actually attend any of the panels at CRS or were you in the Bridge bar the whole time planning out this new format?

I went to sessions at CRS, I think CRS is the best seminar in the Radio industry and I salute the good folks on the Planning Committees that make this event great year after year.

3. What is your fantasy job, aside from this business?

Roadie, you get to see the world without having to go to a war zone.