Glenn Beck is one of America's leading radio and television personalities. His quick wit, candid opinions and engaging personality have made The Glenn Beck Program the third highest rated radio program in America and Glenn Beck, one of the most successful new shows on the Fox News Channel. His unique blend of modern-day storytelling and insightful views on current events allowed him to achieve the extraordinary feat of having #1 New York Times bestsellers in both fiction and non-fiction. Beck also stars in a live stage show and is the publisher of Fusion magazine. Online, he is the editor of GlennBeck.com and the publisher of TheBlaze.com.
While Beck entered the media world as a DJ at the tender age of 13, everything changed when he found a new vision of his career – talk radio. In 2002, he launched The Glenn Beck Program on just 47 stations with the mission to make listeners "feel goodness from my show and accept me for who I am, flaws and all." Nothing has been the same since.
Today, just a few years later, his radio show can be heard across the country on over 400 stations, his television show sets ratings records, his books reach the top of bestseller lists and he travels across the country performing his live stage show to sold-out audiences. Across all of these mediums, Beck connects with his fans in a whole new way, inspiring and entertaining them with his humor, hard-hitting interviews and honest tales about his life.
Beck's radio show, The Glenn Beck Program, is syndicated by Premiere Radio Networks and is the third highest-rated national radio talk show among adults ages 25 to 54. Beck was the recipient of the 2008 Marconi Award for Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year from the National Association of Broadcasters.
Beck's self-titled topical talk show on the FOX News Channel debuted on January 19th, 2009 to over 2.4 million viewers. This incredible launch built off the success of Beck's nightly TV show on CNN Headline News, which he hosted from 2006-2008. During those two years, the show grew by more than 200% in viewership in both the 7pm and 9pm timeslots.
Beck is the author of six consecutive #1 New York Times Bestsellers including his latest book, the thriller The Overton Window. When The Christmas Sweater, his first novel, debuted at #1 on the fiction list, Beck became one of a handful of authors to write books that reached #1 on both the fiction and non-fiction NYT lists.
Beck often travels across the country on a live stage tour and has attracted over 250,000 fans in nearly 40 different markets. His web site, GlennBeck.com, receives millions of visitors a month.
Beck began his career in radio at the age of 13 in Seattle, and grew up in nearby Mount Vernon. After graduating high school, Beck landed jobs as a Top 40 DJ at stations across the country, from Baltimore and Houston, to Phoenix and New Haven, CT.
But at the age of 30, Beck lost his passion for radio - and everything else - as he was consumed by alcoholism and drug addiction. Coming to terms with his past and staying sober shifted his life direction. He found new love (his second wife, Tania) and religion (he was baptized Mormon) and decided he would pursue a career in talk radio.
Soon after, Beck received a call from an agent interested in representing him. Days later, he had an offer to host his own talk radio show on WFLA-AM in Tampa, Florida. Beck inherited the 18th placed position at WFLA-AM and took it to the #1 position in his first year, giving the station its highest ratings ever.
Within 18 months, Premiere Radio Networks, the leading radio syndication company in the country, offered Glenn the opportunity to go national. In January 2002, The Glenn Beck Program debuted on 47 stations. Only a few years later, the show is now heard on over 400 stations and on Sirius XM satellite Radio.
Beck's production company, Mercury Radio Arts, produces or co-produces his radio, TV, live events, publishing and digital media projects. Founded in 2002, Mercury is based in New York, NY.
Glenn is married with four kids.
About Mercury Radio Arts
Mercury Radio Arts is Glenn Beck’s fully integrated multi-media production company. Mercury produces or co-produces all Glenn Beck related properties including The Glenn Beck Program, America’s third highest-rated radio show, Glenn Beck, one of the most successful new shows on the Fox News Channel, Beck’s New York Times bestselling books, his live stage-show business, destination website GlennBeck.com and consumer magazine Fusion. Founded in 2002, Mercury has a full time staff of 20 employees and is based in New York, NY.
On radio, Mercury produces The Glenn Beck Program, the third highest-rated national radio talk show among adults ages 25 to 54. The show is syndicated by Premiere Radio Networks and grew a remarkable 52% nationwide Year-to-Year in the A25-54 demo according to the Arbitron Fall 2008 Nationwide Survey.
On T.V., Mercury co-produces Beck's self-titled topical talk show on the Fox News Channel, which debuted on January 19th, 2009 to over 2.4 million viewers. Previously, Mercury co-produced Beck's nightly TV show on CNN Headline News, which he hosted from 2006-2008.
In publishing, Mercury works closely with Simon and Schuster to publish all of Beck’s books including The Christmas Sweater, which debuted at #1 on the New York Times fiction list and An Inconvenient Book, which debuted at #1 on the New York Times non-fiction list.
On stage, Mercury produces two live tours per year starring Beck, one in June and one in December. In total, over 200,000 fans have seen Glenn live on stage, in nearly forty different markets across the country.
Online, Mercury operates the GlennBeck.com web site, which receives millions of visitors a month. The GlennBeck.com Insider is a monthly subscription service that allows users to stream live audio of the Radio program, or podcast it to their computer. In addition, the Glenn Beck Program’s online newsletter is sent daily to over 1 million people.
Chris Balfe - President & COO, Mercury Radio Arts
Chris Balfe is the President and COO of Mercury Radio Arts, Glenn Beck’s multi-media production company. Balfe manages the day to day operations for all Glenn Beck related properties including The Glenn Beck Program, America’s third highest-rated radio show, Glenn Beck, one of the highest rated shows on the Fox News Channel, Beck’s New York Times bestselling books, his live stage-show business, digital businesses at GlennBeck.com and TheBlaze.com, and consumer magazine Fusion.
Since joining Mercury as its second employee in 2003, Balfe has helped spearhead the company’s growth and expansion into a fully integrated multi-media enterprise with projects spanning the radio, television, digital, publishing and touring industries. Balfe also orchestrates Mercury’s business development activities and manages relationships with such leading media companies as Premiere and Simon & Schuster.
In 2010, Balfe was named to the Crain’s 40 under 40 list of New York’s business leaders.
Balfe was named President and COO in January 2008 and previously served as General Manager and COO. Prior to Mercury, he was a Senior Consultant at Andersen Consulting (later Accenture) and worked with such clients as RCA and EMC. Balfe began his entrepreneurial career launching the web site ComputerHelp.com in 1995 when he was just 16 years old. The site provided users across the country with solutions to their computer problems.
Balfe first met Glenn during his morning radio days in the mid 1990s. They became fast friends and worked together informally until Balfe officially joined Mercury in 2003.
Balfe grew up in Cheshire, CT and attended the University of Connecticut for 1 year before leaving to focus on a variety of internet properties. He currently lives in New York, New York.
Steve aka Stu was born in Tarrytown, NY on February 9, 1976. He discovered his love of radio at an early age; and by age five he was syndicated in the kitchen and den.
He then became completely non-productive for several years, slacking his way through high school, and forgoing college.
Fortunately, Stu got back on track in 1997. He began working in radio promotions and finally began interning for The Glenn Beck Morning Show in 1998. It was here that the beautiful friendship was forged, and neither Glenn nor Stu would ever be the same.
Later that year, Stu became the producer of both the morning show and Glenn's first ever talk show, a venture that the creative brain trust of Beck and Burguiere aptly dubbed "The Glenn Beck Show." That was pulled off the air after approximately nineteen glorious seconds.
As an executive producer, Stu was responsible for coming up with new and exciting venues for the host, including: "Cigar Talk: The Impeachment of Character" (all Clinton scandal all the time) and "The Journey" (all sobbing all the time). Sadly, Stu cannot take credit for Glenn's other successful show, "Glenn Beck, Your Home, and You" which featured Glenn explaining easy and beautiful home improvement projects for the do-it-yourself-er, involving only spare clothes hangers, padded toilet seats, rainbow glitter, and excess pet hair.
Stu worked with Glenn locally on WABC in New York, on WELI in New Haven (a current Glenn Beck Program affiliate), on the nationally syndicated show "The Weekend," (on lots of current Glenn Beck Program affiliates) and on WFLA in Tampa (the mother ship).
Somewhere in there, Stu needed a little (big) break from Glenn, and decided to take over hosting duties when Glenn left his morning show in Connecticut.
As to why Stu left his stint in Connecticut, details become sketchy. Some suggest that Glenn blackmailed Stu with "secret evidence" in order to bring him back to the world of talk radio; the more cynical believe that Stu simply sucked so much as a morning jock that he begged Glenn for his old job back. Still a third group argues that Stu is just waiting for the opportune time to "mistakenly" disconnect Glenn's brakes and secure his spot as host of the show.
But for now, Stu slaves away as the Executive Producer/Head Writer/Sidekick/Dry Cleaning Picker Upper of the Glenn Beck Program. He lives in the Philadelphia area, loves really crappy food, and is married (sorry fellas!!!)
You can reach Stu telepathically at mind number 1153315655487131-B.
Dan grew up in the rough suburban town of Clinton, Connecticut, a town just 2 hours away from New York City. Inspired by his families love for sports and other outdoor activities, Dan rarely focused on school and instead honed his skills in baseball, football, basketball, golf and motocross. He excelled particularly in basketball and golf, as he played both in high school and then went on to play basketball in college (although due to excessive partying in college he had a very lackluster career averaging a pathetic 6.7 points per game).
After narrowly graduating from college Dan concentrated on one of the only careers dumb jocks can excel in, broadcasting. But before getting his big break broadcasting, Dan worked in the communications department of the multi billion dollar conglomerate Fortune 500 company Taco Bell (drive thru) to make ends meet. But it wasn’t long before Dan got his break and worked in one of the most storied sports towns in American history, Richmond Virginia at Sports Radio WRNL 910. There he covered big sports franchises like The Richmond Braves (minor league affiliate of the Atlanta Braves), the Hershey Bears (minor league hockey) and the Media Softball league featuring all the local TV stations and their personalities. After a successful stint in Richmond, Dan moved on to 620 WDAE The Sports Animal in Tampa, FL and was an on air talent as he called each host everyday during their shows to be a “guest” for about :30 seconds to 1 minute per appearance. During his stay in Florida Dan got married to his stunning wife Tara Schott, now aptly named Tara Andros. They have no kids but do have a dog named Simba (yes, they are that pathetic couple you see treating their dog like its their kid). Simba is the main reason Dan ever gets up off the couch.
Dan has since moved to Philadelphia to become the latest member of the Glenn Beck Program. When asked what a guy with such a passion for sports and sports broadcasting would even find remotely fun about working for a host (Glenn) who is sobbing every other day, who is constantly dieting and worrying about his figure, who is into interior home design, a host who knows nothing about and who could care less about sports?? Dan responded by saying, “Nothing, really. But thanks for reminding me chief, I appreciate it, no really, I do. ”
Chris Brady has been working for Glenn since December of 2000 and launched his first website for Glenn in January of 2001 with major redesigns in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2008. Chris Brady was also responsible for the initial design of Glenn Beck’s Fusion Magazine and has worked on numerous design and print projects for the Glenn Beck Program. He is the CEO and owner of his own design firm, Nuclearcow.com which is located in Tampa, FL.
Sarah Sullivan - Producer of Glenn Beck Weekend / Phone Screener
Sarah grew up in the outskirts of Philadelphia addicted to Top 40 radio. By college she was able to squeeze her size 7's into Q102, Philly's Top 40/CHR Clear Channel station, as an intern. Even though she really enjoyed working for the deeply appreciative Promotions Department, she was drawn to the Programming side of things.
It was the audio board that called her name. After a short time she began branching out to other demographics and found herself working for five Clear Channel stations.
Within a year of graduating from Temple University, she found talk radio. Thanks to a very special angel, Lisa Paige, Sarah was able to squeeze her size 7's into a much smaller door.
Sarah is now responsible for the production of the Glenn Beck Weekend and is the call screener for the Glenn Beck Program.
The rest is history . . .
Nick Daley - Creative Director
Nick went to school for recording arts at Full Sail University in Orlando, FL where he learned how to continue playing with music/noise and still be considered a professional (so THAT's what college is for). After graduating he accepted a job at TOP 40 station WFLZ (93-3 FLZ) in Tampa, FL as Eric Chase's assistant (Eric Chase is an award winning producer and legend in the broadcast world, not to mention the main 'voice-over guy' of the Glenn Beck Program) and eventually moved up to creative director upon Eric's departure. In 2003 Nick was asked to join as assistant sound designer/technical director for Glenn's live re-creation of War of the Worlds and in 2004 produced Glenn's classic Halloween telling of the "Tell Tale Heart." In 2007 Chris Balfe and Nick held a top secret meeting in Fiji - or was it Paris? on a roller coaster? Or in an aquarium? Anyway, suffice it to say the iChat led to Nick's current position as Creative Director of the Glenn Beck Program. Everyone was proud, including Nick's grandmother who said, "I just knew some day you'd be the next Tom Brokaw." ::record scratch effect:: "No, grandma, I work behind the scenes with sound." To which, after a short pause, his grandmother replied, "Oh. well, you just keep working at it and some day you'll get there."
Pat Gray - Contributing Editor
In 1990, Glenn found himself in a desperate crunch: four days before his new program was to air in Baltimore, his writer/producer backed out. A good friend suggested Pat for the job, warning Glenn that "you'll love him on the air, but probably hate him as a person." Glenn did interview Pat and offered him the position -- but Pat turned it down. However, after careful consideration, and some "gentle encouragement" (a smack in the head) from his wife, he accepted. The duo was an immediate hit, and worked together for years until one of Glenn's many manic moments drove to Salt Lake City (where Pat's radio show is rated number one). The two remain best friends and contribute to each other's show on a regular basis. The secret is out: Pat is the talent behind such personalities as Bill Rogers, Richard Nibler, and Bob Yohansen.
Jeff Fisher, Contributor
Known for his role as referee for More-On Trivia, and as the former engineer for the program, Jeff Fisher, AKA "Jeffy", sabotages the show whenever possible.
George Hiltzik - Agent
George Hiltzik is an agent with N.S. Bienstock in New York City. He represents some of the biggest names in radio and television. He also represents Glenn Beck.
Hiltzik’s famous sayings include “this is all very exciting”, “this is all good”, and “this is all very good.”
Glenn Beck Program staff members spend approximately 35% of their day on hold waiting for George. While many people find it hard to believe, Hiltzik is actually a lawyer.
Before joining Bienstock, Hiltzik was a Vice President with NBC. He has been called “The leading radio agent in the industry,” but we suspect that was said by a family member.
Paul started working with The Glenn Beck Program in 2004 by designing the Michael Moore is Fat t-shirt. He has designed many of the shirts you can currently buy at the studio store including The Big Frog 109.9 and Screw the Caribou!.
Then, Glenn started Fusion Magazine... allowing Paul to show off his true artistic potential. He has contributed art for every issue and designed a handful of covers, including the one for July/August 2006. Despite Glenn's constant request, he refuses to paint him in the nude... but everybody has a price!
Then, Glenn started the television show... and Paul was chosen to redesign the logo. Replacing the iconic lower 'g' logo was a daunting task. Glenn rejected about 30 designs and threatened to remove Paul's 'moneymaker' if he didn't come up with the perfect design. Suddenly, inspiration hit and Paul designed the current symbol you see today.
Beck's radio show, The Glenn Beck Program, is syndicated by Premiere Radio Networks and is the third highest-rated national radio talk show among adults ages 25 to 54. Beck was the recipient of the 2008 Marconi Award for Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year from the National Association of Broadcasters.
Nick went to school for recording arts at Full Sail University in Orlando, FL where he learned how to continue playing with music/noise and still be considered a professional (so THAT's what college is for). After graduating he accepted a job at TOP 40 station WFLZ (93-3 FLZ) in Tampa, FL as Eric Chase's assistant (Eric Chase is an award winning producer and legend in the broadcast world, not to mention the main 'voice-over guy' of the Glenn Beck Program) and eventually moved up to creative director upon Eric's departure. In 2003 Nick was asked to join as assistant sound designer/technical director for Glenn's live re-creation of War of the Worlds and in 2004 produced Glenn's classic Halloween telling of the "Tell Tale Heart." In 2007 Chris Balfe and Nick held a top secret meeting in Fiji - or was it Paris? on a roller coaster? Or in an aquarium? Anyway, suffice it to say the iChat led to Nick's current position as Creative Director of the Glenn Beck Program. Everyone was proud, including Nick's grandmother who said, "I just knew some day you'd be the next Tom Brokaw." ::record scratch effect:: "No, grandma, I work behind the scenes with sound." To which, after a short pause, his grandmother replied, "Oh. well, you just keep working at it and some day you'll get there."
