With many years in Christian radio, Glenn Hartas brings both experience and passion to his new role as GM.
On hearing the news of Glenn Hartas’ new position at Way FM, we touched base with Glenn to find out a little more.
Tell us a bit about yourself, and your journey in Christian radio?
My Dad introduced me to radio when I was 12. During my school holidays, I volunteered at our local community radio station, 2SSR, in Sutherland, NSW, where my first tasks involved cleaning desk fans and labelling carts. At 16, I moved to Orange, NSW with Dad, and participated in the test transmissions for Radio Rhema Orangeand Radio Rhema Dubbo. By 17, I landed my first commercial radio job at 4VLin Charleville, QLD. Many years later, I took on a volunteer weekend role at 96fivein Brisbane, which led to a full-time position as their music director and lunch announcer. After leaving 96five, I worked at Juice 107.3 on the Gold Coast, and then my wife Bron and I relocated to Gladstone, QLD, where I served as General Manager at 91.9 Fresh FM. Eventually, we felt called to move to Launceston, Tasmania, where I spent just over five years in commercial radio. After that, I volunteered with WayFM 105.3, both on air and on the board. I will continue volunteering until January 2nd when I officially start as manager.
What led you to take on the role?
I’ve been a volunteer and board member at WayFM for quite some time, and I’m grateful for our dedicated board, which has positioned us strongly to move forward. My decision to apply for this position stemmed from several messages I received from God just over a year ago, as well as prophecies from three individuals. This choice wasn’t made lightly; it has taken over a year to reach this point. Leading a Christian station is not a career move for me; it’s a divine calling. It was crucial that I stepped into this role for the right reasons and that I had the support of my wife Bron, my family, our church, and our board.
What are you hoping to achieve in this new role?
To grow our audience, I aim to actively engage with our local community both on and off the air. Achieving this requires expanding our volunteer base. While revenue remains important, I believe that fully immersing WayFM in the community will naturally lead to increased donations, sponsorships, and memberships. Therefore, community engagement is my top priority. WayFM has been a fixture in Launceston since the 1980s, but various challenges, including COVID-19, have led to a lower profile in recent years. As Launceston's Positive Alternative, we must reconnect with our community and remind them of our purpose and values.
What is your vision for WayFM for the future?
Driven by God's goodness and provision, WayFM remains committed to empowering people with a message of hope. Early next year WayFM is thrilled to be upgrading our second transmitter, located on top of one of Launceston's highest peaks, allowing us to broadcast our inspiring content at full power on frequencies 105.3 and 98.1.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I understand that leading a station of our size comes with its challenges, so I'm eager to collaborate with Nathan Brown, his CMAA team, and other CMAA member stations on this exciting journey of faith!