WNZR students featured at CMB conference

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s Communication & Media and WNZR students were featured in a special presentation during the two-day Christian Music Broadcasters University in November 2023.

Three MVNU seniors — Allison Prouty, Mike Basko, and Jonathon Langdon — served as a special CMBU Award Winner Panel interviewed by CMB Executive Director Michelle Younkman.

“It was important to us to highlight a station, and who better than the station that won our very first CMBU Station of the Year Award. They had the opportunity to share WNZR’s mission and the effect the station has had on the community,” said Younkman. “It was a true highlight of our CMB University event.”

The seniors agreed that being on the panel was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“We had such an awesome opportunity to share what God is doing in our community and at WNZR,” said Prouty. “I had people asking me after the panel about some of the incredible things we do here, and it was a blessing to get to share.”

“Being on the panel was such a privilege because it was amazing to be able to represent WNZR and talk about the impact the station is having on the community,” said Basko.

“It was evident on stage that WNZR’s reputation is ‘through the roof’ with CMB,” said Langdon. “It was awesome to talk about our station and reflect on the many things that make WNZR stand out from other school stations.”

“We were honored to have three of our seniors express their experiences with receiving the CMB University Station of the Year award,” said Marcy Rinehart, WNZR Station Manager. “As they conveyed their stories of WNZR, I kept thinking of the support from our listeners. They have prayed and given sacrificially for almost four decades to keep WNZR’s legacy alive and strong. As an MVNU graduate and as a station manager, I’m grateful to be a part of the WNZR story.”

Students Morgan Mills, Dylan Elliott and Isaac Curtis also attended the conference and were not only impressed with the praise of WNZR, but they were also able to capitalize on the opportunities available through CMBU. Students from 14 universities had the opportunity to learn from industry leaders during in-depth breakout sessions that explored various areas of radio and the chance to practice building their own craft in real-world scenarios. Additionally, students participated in a service project where they packed over 200 gifts for women in crisis for CUPS Mission.

“My experience at CMBU has opened my eyes to the possibilities that are waiting for me when I graduate,” said Mills. “It gave me a great opportunity to network and to work closely with mentors who could give me advice on what to improve on while complementing and amplifying my strengths.”

“I got to meet all kinds of people while also making network connections,” said Elliott. “I’m so blessed to be able to have this opportunity to represent MVNU while also making connections that will help my future after graduation.”

“CMBU was such a great opportunity for me to get out there and connect with people in my possible future field,” said Curtis. “The weekend was filled with information, fun, and relationship making through networking with students, professors, and mentors. I believe that this trip has given me a head start for my plans post-graduation.”

Alumni Obadiah Haybin (’00) and Josh Hooper (’02) attended the conference as mentors and were excited for WNZR’s recognition and connections and insight students learn by networking at the conference.

“The people they meet at CMB as students are the people they’ll be applying to work for as professionals,” said Haybin. “It’s a great first step and introduction to potential employers. It also lets students hear about what day-to-day life is like as a professional communicator and learn things that are working and not working in the day-to-day business of broadcasting.”

“I was so proud of the school, the station, the students, and of Marcy and Joe Rinehart,” said Hooper. “They dedicated their all to the students, MVNU and the community. “I was so glad to see the recognition given to WNZR.

Director of Broadcasting Joe Rinehart, who not in attendance due to MVNU’s Homecoming, but watched the presentation virtually, is always impressed with the student experience at the conference.

“To see our program and our students showcased at CMBU is the ultimate for a professor,” said Joe Rinehart. “When industry leaders can pour into your students and give them additional feedback and instruction, it’s a gift. The connections they made will be influential in their futures.”

To learn more about WNZR, visit wnzr.fm.