Brett Hager Interview

Brett Hager
Production Director/Midday Host
WNFA/WNFR
Port Huron, MI

Career Capsule: I got a job answering phones at the local station that I grew up listening to during my junior year of high school. I immediately got bit by the “radio bug”, as so many of us can say!

I attended broadcasting school, and tried my best to soak up all the teaching I could around the station. And upon graduation, I took the position of Production Director for both of our stations here in Port Huron, back in February of 2021. As well as hosting middays for our Hot-CHR station!

Brett, tell us what’s new at Power 88.3 & Hope FM … news, changes, & whats new with YOU… etc?

It’s a great season of ministry here in the Blue Water Area! Our HopeFM (AC) station has been jumping into the realm of expansion which is an exciting time, as well as marketing to parts of our listening area that aren’t as aware of us!

Power 88.3 is our Hot-CHR station, and the latest move we have had was adding middays which has surprisingly, increased our engagement throughout the day! Excited to add more events to our calendar!

And launching a couple podcasts here, in the new year!

For me, man… God has been opening doors that I, oftentimes, don’t feel deserving of! The biggest thing that I have felt was just an overwhelming sense of affirmation to what God has called me to in Christian radio!

How have you been affected by the pandemic, on and off the air?

Personally, I think the pandemic made me a lot more introverted! Not in the sense that I don’t like big events or groups, but that I have started really valuing solitude and rest.

I believe that the pandemic gave a common ground for all of our listeners, since we all experienced a lot of the same emotions! Doubled down on the hope of Jesus, and allowed personal vulnerability to cut through a little bit more.

What is the best show advice you’ve been given? The worst?

Best show advice I’ve ever been given is actually tied between 2…

Less left-brained detail… MORE HEART!

And, that it is powerful when you can walk beside the listener at their pace, in YOUR storytelling!

The worst?

I value any input someone will give me, and I’m still figuring this whole thing out… So I guess I’m still seeing what works and what doesn’t!

What was your inspiration to get into radio, what advice would you give to someone thinking about a career in radio?

My inspiration was very organic over the course of my first year! I had a call into ministry, but I didn’t know what that looked like until being able to share life and Jesus with listeners… I had some amazing mentors whom I looked up to big time, and saw the joy they had at work! I craved that.

For anyone looking for a career in radio: Don’t be afraid of doing the work at the ground level! Hospitality, phone ops, board ops, are ALL ways to get a foot in the door! We all started somewhere.

Whats your feeling on podcasts, should air personalities have one?

Podcasting is one of the fastest growing platforms in this generation! I think if you can find your big idea, that you can do well; YES, air personalities should have one!

DON’T rush a podcast out there just to get it out there, but find your niche!

I am currently working on my big idea! It takes time to do well!

Where will new up and coming air talent for Christian Radio come from?

I think we need to look within our stations NOW! We are a smaller staff here in Port Huron, but I think there are already great personalities within our walls that just need that one person to come along and develop them!

So leaders, please see the resources you have on your team already!

Generally speaking to the industry what are the biggest obstacles facing Christian air talent?

In my short time here in Christian radio, I have seen the importance of good, GODLY leadership at the top! I have been blessed with some AMAZING leaders, but I have seen how toxic leadership can create organizational conflict all over…

I think that we forget that the most important thing that we can do is become more like Christ, everyday!

Who are your radio heroes and influences? and why?

Ok here we go!

Influences:

Brian Smith (my boss and friend)

Chad Bradley (mentor and friend)

Todd Stach (Coach and friend)

People I think are big game changers in our industry:

CJ Lusk, never met him before but I have always loved the way he communicates and I have listened to him for years now! BIG FAN!

Heather Erbe, a phenomenal communicator, relational, and great story teller!

Mike Couchman, a gifted programmer, and a REAL dude! Ahead of the curve in a lot of areas, I mean look at Boost…