Tag: Radio

WNZR Senior Spotlight: Traven Griffith, Music Director

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart is catching up with senior Traven Griffith as part of Seniors Week at MVNU.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Traven grew up right here in Mount Vernon and says coming to MVNU was largely about one thing: getting the chance to be on WNZR, a station he’d been listening to for nearly a decade.

Now a Communications and Digital Media major, he’s spent the past three years doing just that. You’ve likely heard him on-air as a DJ, or behind the scenes helping with events, games, and summer shifts. For the past two years, he’s also served as Music Director—something he didn’t originally expect.

Traven thought he might go into production, but after a conversation, Marcy saw leadership potential and tapped him for the Music Director role. It’s an experience he says helped him better understand how a radio station operates day-to-day.

Looking back, Traven says it’s hard to believe how fast the time has gone. One of his favorite memories is freshman year—meeting people in the department and finally getting to live out his childhood dream of being a DJ. He even remembers calling into the radio as an 8-year-old and being thrilled just to be part of it.

There are also some unforgettable moments along the way—like the 2024 Dog Parade, when a storm rolled in right before things started. Traven laughs about scrambling to dump water out of the tent and getting soaked, but still having a great time.

As Music Director, he’s enjoyed working with artists like TobyMac and for KING & COUNTRY, while also helping introduce new music to listeners.

Next up, Traven is looking toward a career in video editing—something he’s loved even longer than radio. As he starts that job search, he’s asking for prayers and direction for what’s ahead.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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“The More You Listen, The More You Hear”: WNZR’s Journey of Growth and Connection

Back in the early 2000s, radio was starting to look a little different. Technology was changing quickly, and stations everywhere were asking the same question—how do we keep up? At WNZR, that question turned into an opportunity.

WNZR’s Olivia Skillings recently sat down with Marcy and Joe Rinehart to talk about one of the station’s most pivotal moments: the launch of online streaming. At the time, WNZR was limited to its local signal, but leadership recognized something important—listeners weren’t just in Knox County anymore. Families, alumni, and supporters were spread out across the country and even around the world.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

So, on October 1st, 2003, the station took a big leap. A one-day fundraiser was held to make online streaming a reality. By the end of the day, more than $8,000 had been raised—enough to cover the equipment, software, and licensing needed to get started. That moment didn’t just add a new feature. It changed everything.

Streaming broke down geographic barriers. Suddenly, parents could hear their students on the air no matter where they lived. Alumni could reconnect. Listeners could tune in from across the globe. It laid the foundation for what WNZR would become in the years ahead—more accessible, more connected, and more far-reaching than ever before.

But technology wasn’t the only thing growing. The heart of the station remained the same. As Marcy and Joe explained, WNZR’s positioning statement—“The more you listen, the more you hear”—captures something deeper. It’s not just about music or entertainment. It’s about hearing messages that matter. It’s about encouragement, hope, and ultimately pointing listeners toward the love of Christ.

Another major milestone came in 2010, when the station increased its broadcast power from 130 watts to 1,300 watts. For years, signal interference had been a challenge. This expansion changed that in a big way, improving coverage across Knox County and reaching into surrounding areas. It was a technical upgrade, yes—but also a meaningful moment for the people behind the mic. Students were part of the journey, witnessing firsthand how the station was growing its impact.

And as listening habits continued to evolve, WNZR kept moving forward.

With smartphones becoming a central part of everyday life, the station knew it needed to meet listeners where they are. That led to the development of the WNZR mobile app—making it easier than ever to tune in. Whether through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or a quick tap on a phone, listeners can now stay connected wherever they go.

Today, the app has become a daily companion for many—at home, at work, and on the road. It’s simple, accessible, and always within reach.

Looking back, it’s clear each step—streaming, increased signal power, mobile access—was part of a bigger picture. WNZR didn’t just keep up with change. It used each moment as a way to strengthen its mission and expand its reach.

And through it all, one thing remains constant: the connection between the station and its listeners, made possible by faithful support year after year.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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From Launch to Leadership: Alan Reed Was There As WNZR Took Shape

Sometimes, the path you end up on isn’t the one you started—but it turns out to be exactly where you were meant to be.

That was the case for former WNZR Station Manager and MVNU graduate Alan Reed. Before arriving at Mount Vernon Nazarene College, Alan had already started his college journey elsewhere. But in the fall of 1985, everything shifted. After visiting MVNU and its campus radio station, WNZR, he saw something different—something that made him want to be part of it. With just two weeks before the semester began, he made the decision to transfer and jump in.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

At the time, WNZR was still finding its footing. Broadcasting on 560 AM, the station was designed primarily for campus use. The signal could reach parts of Mount Vernon, but it didn’t extend very far beyond that. Still, there was a bigger vision taking shape behind the scenes.

That vision became reality in 1986.

Alan was there during one of the most defining moments in the station’s history—when WNZR officially went on the air at 90.9 FM. After efforts to secure an FM signal, the excitement quickly turned into action. Alan remembers Dr. Smith walking in with the news that they had received approval, and from there, everything moved quickly. By early May 1986, the station launched on FM, expanding its reach across Knox County and transforming what WNZR could be.

It wasn’t just growth—it was a turning point. And Alan was right there to witness it.

He also recalls the physical construction that made it possible. The FM tower, built on the southeast corner of campus, rose piece by piece until it stood 300 feet tall. It was an exciting and unforgettable time, even including the memory of Dr. Smith climbing the tower during construction. For those involved, it felt like they were building something meaningful from the ground up.

Alan’s role with WNZR continued to grow as well. In the spring of 1988, when the station manager stepped away, Alan stepped in as interim station manager. While he understood the technical side of radio, working closely with students brought new experiences and challenges. One moment, in particular, stuck with him—while covering a shift during an inspirational segment, something malfunctioned, and a student test broadcast unexpectedly aired rock music. It was unplanned, but it became one of those classic live-radio stories you never forget.

Through all the changes and milestones, one thing remained constant: the mission.

Alan emphasizes that WNZR has always been more than a campus station. From the beginning, it was an outreach to the community—a way to connect, encourage, and share a message beyond MVNU. That purpose shaped the station then and continues to define it today.

Being part of WNZR helped shape Alan’s own path in broadcasting and education. It gave him a sense of identity and purpose within the industry, and a connection to something bigger than himself. Now, 40 years later, he’s still at MVNU as a professor in the same department. While he no longer works directly with the station, being around it again feels familiar in the best way.

Like coming home.

Looking back, Alan finds it remarkable not just how much has changed—but how much hasn’t. The technology has advanced. The reach has expanded. But the mission remains the same: to spread the word of Christ to the campus and the community.

What started as a small AM signal—and a last-minute decision—has grown into something lasting, meaningful, and still making an impact today.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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National Radio Day

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Today is National Radio Day! Today on the Morning Thing, we shared the history of the radio, which you can read about HERE! Here on WNZR, we use radio as a way to spread the good news, so we shared some Bible verses about spreading the gospel HERE! And we are always thankful for your support of our radio ministry. As always, thanks for listening!

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Rachel Rinehart is back in OHIO! :-)

Rachel at NGEN

For The Morning Thing Fave 5 this week, Rachel Rinehart shares her 5 favorite memories from her Internship In Houston, Texas.

Click HERE to hear her wonderful stories! Thanks to Chris Chicago and Angela at NGEN Radio in Houston, Texas for taking care of our “Little Rach” this summer!

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Operation Christmas Child and the Turkey Festival!

operationchristmaschildlogo.jpgToday on the show we discussed Operation Christmas Child, and how they are still working even in the month of June to deliver gifts to kids all over the world.  If you’d like to read more on what they are doing right now click HERE.

Marcy also had a chance to have a very interesting chat with Sandy Gargas, Operation Christmas Child’s Regional Coordinator for the Dayton area about her recent rip to Rwanda to help deliver shoe boxes.  If you’d like to listen to it, click HERE.

The first day of the Danville Howard Turkey Festival is today as well, and we will be at the festival giving anyone who signs up in person or online a chance to win.  For more information on our contest, head to our website wnzr.fm, and for information on what is happening at the Turkey Festival today and tomorrow click HERE.

Also remember to get your Dad signed up for Take Dad To Dinner because we are drawing winners tomorrow, you can find more information on this contest at wnzr.fm.

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Thoughts from Israel- The Morning Thing on 3/14/16

Wesley Israel

Wesley Boston here. I recently returned from an incredible opportunity. From February 29th to March 11th I traveled across Israel and Jordan, seeing sites that brought the Bible to life and being introduced to cultures and people that were very different from me. A few things struck me as a result.

  1. The world is a lot bigger than America. Our guide, Rafi, who is seen in the above picture at the left end of the back row, reminded us that the U.S. is big- so big that we don’t need anybody else he said. Israel, to compare, is smaller than New Jersey. In the U.S. we don’t get out much, we don’t see much that is different, and we dont get out of our comfort zones. It’s good in so many ways to get into someone else’s country, culture, kitchen, history, etc.
  2. Differences in race, culture, and religion can be put aside. On this trip a Muslim man looked me, a Christian, in the eye and asked me to pray for peace in these lands. Two religions with two different Gods, but that didn’t matter. We could be united in this cause. One girl that I traveled with remarked that while watching the Jews pray at the Western “Wailing” Wall she realized that we aren’t so different. We all are simply trying to get closer to God.
  3. We believe and have faith in a God who does not operate in an abstract dimension or some Narnia -esque realm that we can’t get to or see. He works in real history, in real places, and with real people. While we can’t have definite proof and still have to trust and have faith, we can take comfort in knowing that we can see the places where the Bible tells us these things happened.
  4. History keeps going on. Rafi reminded us on the first day that since our our country is so young we have a different view of what is old. In his words, “You Americans find something that is 250 years old and you call it an antique. In Israel if something is 250 years old we don’t even look at it- it’s brand new! Come back when you have something from the 3rd or 4th century.” In that land I saw the remains of empire after empire and civilization after civilization. I stood in the ruins of palaces of mighty kings and the temples of foreign gods. History marches on and takes everything that mankind builds with it. But God remains. He is unchanged from the beginning and will still be here in another 2,000 years.
  5. We have a personal relationship but not a personal religion. By that I mean that while we are able to know God personally as our God and Savior it isn’t just about us. We are part of a worldwide community of believers that spans throughout history. Every one of us across the globe brings our own interpretations and culture and backgrounds to it but we are all one body serving the same risen Lord.
  6. We don’t have to travel around the world to be closer to God. This thought was not original with me. I was struggling with the fact that I had not had some kind of supernatural revelation or some experience where God broke through into my life in some brand new crystal clear way. Then one girl on the trip shared that she was struggling with the same issue- and then she realized that there’s a good reason for it. God is with us no matter where we are. We can be just as close to Him here in Ohio as we can in the Holy Lands. I have stood as close to the Holy of Holies as is humanly possible in 2016- but that didn’t make me any closer to God than I am right now as I write these words in Mount Vernon. God is with you and me no matter where we are and that is a great comfort.

It’s hard to sum up such an experience in one post, but these are a few of the things that God put on my heart during this journey. And yes, it was good to go- amazing to go- but it is good to be back. Hopefully the lessons I’ve learned can influence the way I live day to day.

Shalom!

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Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day by learning more about the history and the man. The Morning Thing 1/18/16

rev dr martin luther king praying

Detroit Free Press photographer Tony Spina photographed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a reflective moment in March, 1968, 2 weeks before his assassination.

How much do you know about Dr. Martin Luther King Junior?
How much do you know about the history of today’s holiday?
One way that we can celebrate is to enhance our knowledge and understanding of why we celebrate on the third Monday of January.

Click HERE to see the amazing timeline of how long it took to have the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday created.

Click HERE to see 20 interesting facts about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. How much do you really know about the man?

Click HERE for more interesting facts about Dr. Marin Luther King Jr., plus links to some fabulous pictures and videos of this amazing man.

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Mount Vernon High School’s production of “The King and I”

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We had the opportunity to talk with the cast and crew of Mount Vernon High School’s production of “The King and I.” They talk about preparing for their roles, why they wanted to get involved, and how the community can support this event. Of the 70 students involved we talked with Rachel Rinehart, Michaela Hauke, David McDonald, Ethan and Alex Jarosz, Jakob Daniels, Lauren Cagle and the director Cory Ward.
Mount Vernon High School presents “The King and I” for 3 nights this week – 4/23, 4/24 and 4/25 at 7pm in the high school theater.

Listen to our whole conversation right here!
https://soundcloud.com/wnzr/king-and-i-at-mount-vernon-highschool

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Get Healthy and Get Back to Reading with The Morning Thing

Library WeekThe Morning Thing kicked off the week by celebrating National Library Week and sharing some “Get Healthy” tips from the Knox County Healthy Department.

Here are some interesting facts about libraries.
http://libraryoutsourcing.com/10-interesting-facts-libraries/

Find out more about the Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County!
This is a very active place with special events for readers of every age.
http://www.knox.net/

Here is more information about National Library Week.
http://www.ala.org/news/mediapresscenter/factsheets/nationallibraryweek

Want to get your kids interested in reading? Check out these 10 tips! http://www.mercyhome.org/10-ways-get-your-child-interested-reading

It was also a Get Healthy Monday on the show. 
Studies show that when it comes to making decisions to improve your health, Monday is the day most people make those decisions. The Knox County Health Department and Get Healthy Knox County want you to think of every Monday as an opportunity to do something to improve your health.The Knox County Health Department and Get Healthy Knox County want you to think of every Monday as an opportunity to do something to improve your health – Make that decision to lose a few pounds, get exercising, make a doctor’s appointment, stop smoking – Make every Monday the day to start getting healthy.

Do you know your numbers…your health numbers?
We live our lives by the numbers: phone numbers, PIN numbers, stock market numbers. When it comes to health, you should live by the numbers, too.

The key health numbers to know are: blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index (BMI).

Doctors test most of these numbers at annual check-ups – which begs the question – when was the last time you had a checkup? It’s important that you know your numbers and understand what they mean. By keeping your numbers within a healthy range, you can greatly improve your health and reduce your risk for heart disease and other illnesses.

Blood Pressure When it comes to your blood pressure number, pay attention to the top number – the systolic pressure, which indicates the pressure when the heart beats while pumping blood. A systolic reading above 140 is considered too high and warrants seeing your doctor. Your Blood Pressure goal is 120 over 80 or less.

Cholesterol When it comes to cholesterol, there are really three numbers to know – your total cholesterol, your “healthy” cholesterol, called HDL and your “bad” cholesterol, called LDL.

The normal range for total cholesterol is 200 or less. The optimal range for HDL cholesterol is more than 60 and LDL cholesterol should be less than 100. There are no definite symptoms of high cholesterol, so it’s important to see your doctor and know your cholesterol numbers.

Blood Sugar or Glucose Glucose is sugar stored in your blood as your body’s main source of energy. Your fasting blood sugar number must be measured after an 8-hour fast. Fasting is key since ingesting food—say, a banana an hour beforehand—would raise blood sugar levels and could create a false pre-diabetic or diabetic reading. Your FBS can be determined with a simple blood test or a finger stick test.

A fasting blood sugar number above 100 is considered pre-diabetic; treatment measures should be discussed with a physician.

Body Mass Index Your body mass index (BMI) measures your weight in relation to your height. A BMI over 25 means that you are overweight and a number over 30 indicates obesity. That extra weight can lead to high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes and other serious illnesses.

Your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index numbers are key indicators of your risk for serious illness. If you know these important numbers, you can make changes to improve your health.

Small changes can make a big difference. So start today. It’s Get Healthy Monday!

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