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Think You Know Glenn Beck? Check Out This Brief History of How He Got Into The Radio Business

Think You Know Glenn Beck? Check Out This Brief History of How He Got Into The Radio Business

Many Blaze readers are familiar with Glenn Beck’s beliefs and the causes he fights for, but how many people know the story behind how he got into the business?

In MediabistroTV’s latest installment of “My First Big Break,” Beck recalls some of the pivotal moments in his professional career.

“The big break, I guess, there was one when I was 13-years old,” Beck said, “I won a contest to be on the radio for an hour. You gotta’ believe it was a bad radio station. It was a local radio station. It was KBRC in Mount Vernon and it was the one that I used to listen to in my father’s bakery when we were working at the shop.

“I just wanted to be a disk jockey,” he added.Think You Know Glenn Beck? Check Out This Brief History of How He Got Into The Radio BusinessBeck taped his hour-long radio session and brought it to another local station. They hired him.

“The rest is really kinda’ bad, crappy history,” Beck said. “But history nonetheless.”

For instance, did you know that in 1999 he almost quit radio to go to cooking school?Think You Know Glenn Beck? Check Out This Brief History of How He Got Into The Radio BusinessIt’s true!

If it weren’t for his father urging him to pursue things he cared about, to talk about things of “personal significance,” Beck probably would’ve abandoned radio altogether.

You know what happens next: Beck found his “professional voice” and landed a syndicated talk show with Premier Radio Networks. The talk show eventually led to a show on Fox News and Fox News led to the GBTV empire.

Basically, it’s Keith Olbermann’s career in reverse.

Watch Glenn Beck on MediabistroTV’s “My First Big Break”:

Check out some of MediabistroTV’s other profiles here.

This story has been updated.

Comments (120)

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  • sizzlinsexybeckster
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 9:30pm

    No offense – but the older you get, the more attractive you are. You are the kind of man who gets more handsome the older you get. (wink wink)

    Report Post »  
    • LolaB
      Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:50am

      I couldn’t agree more…Glenn is extremely sexy…love his sense of humor!!!!! And I love when he wears those black glasses. I love Glenn…and no…I do not want to sleep with him or anything like that…I just love the guy. He makes me laugh!!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Stoptheblather
      Posted on May 11, 2012 at 7:59am

      Me too! I ‘think’ my husband is getting jealous. . . . .

      Report Post »  
    • teamarcheson
      Posted on May 11, 2012 at 8:57am

      Hey, that is the sissy Romney and millions of Patriots stood and clipped the locks off off while in high school. That’s him!

      Report Post »  
    • Freedom Keeper
      Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:19am

      He is a very handsome man, please lay off the word “sexy” though. He does have a wife with feelings ya know.

      Report Post »  
    • LookTowardsTheLight
      Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:21am

      Remember his VERY BRIEF stint on “Cheers”?

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUn-bixAI6w

      Report Post » LookTowardsTheLight  
    • GetRight
      Posted on May 11, 2012 at 9:25am

      I thought the same thing! I think I spend more time with Glenn than my own husband! He does have a kinda nerdy sexy vibe! LOL But mostly I think he is great because he speaks his mind, is honest, and humble.

      Report Post » GetRight  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on May 11, 2012 at 5:41pm

      Glenn was doing drugs and alcohol back then. I think cleaning his act up had the most to do with him looking so much better. : )

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • pattybbb1
      Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:00pm

      ohyeah! what more can I say…

      Report Post »  
  • christos
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 9:11pm

    …Thank +JESUS+GOD+ for Glenn Beck & and his Team everyday,,,

    Report Post » christos  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on May 11, 2012 at 10:37am

      Nope! I never think sexy when I see Glenn. I do spend a lot of time with him, but never think of sex.
      I like his mind, until he gets so silly, then I turn off the radio.
      I also appreciate his crew digging up legitimate news info, unlike the MSM who make up anything hoping it will stick.
      Just wish Glenn’s crew would look into any connection with MalcolmX and if Barry is really the child
      of Ann or someone else. Someone has groomed him from birth and paid all his college fees and travel expenses. Too much talk about being gay…..so, what’s his connection besides bath houses?
      He does seem to tell untruth’s about too many things, his books are mostly lies.

      Report Post »  
    • Brad Wesselmann
      Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:32pm

      Those are now called “compressions”, not lies…get a bigger bite of the socialist pie next time and keep up, hahahaha.. ;-)

      Report Post » Brad Wesselmann  
  • Teabunny
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 8:59pm

    well…he definitely got better looking with age (love the 80′s thing! LOLOLOL. I shouldn’t laugh…i had big hair! LOL) Same eyes though. I love his commentary. He really has thee most amazing mind. For being self educated, i would put him in the class with my best loved professors (the good ones, not the jerks!) His insight into the events of today are, dare I say, prophetic (?) . He has the spiritual gift, the word of knowledge. and a great heart. these are his best features (thank goodness! that eighties thing was spooky! LOL)

    Report Post » Teabunny  
    • Teabunny
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 9:14pm

      He should be very proud of himself. Great story! Thanks blaze. With all the gloom and doom in the world…its great to hear a “small town boy does good” story. Its a shame the story doesn’t cover the tears; It makes the hills seem like mountains! I’ve heard some of the details of his past, and through all the triumphs, behind the scene there were great trials. A very strong, good, decent man. Couldn’t have happened to nicer guy! Enjoy your success Glenn…you earned every jewel in that crown! Amen.

      Report Post » Teabunny  
    • Tifn8r
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 10:22pm

      Im thankful for the trial Mr. Beck has been through. They have made him strong enough to be who he needs to be now, just like our struggles strengthen us. Thank God Glenn chose to follow Him.

      Report Post » Tifn8r  
  • Annika2011
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 8:57pm

    God bless your Dad.
    He set you on this path.
    I hope this yellow brick road has a happy
    ending for all of us.
    God bless you too Glenn.
    Thanks for all you do for us.

    Report Post »  
    • dealer@678
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 9:38pm

      I trust him UNTIL i cant. Dont see that happening though

      Report Post »  
  • doglady
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 8:33pm

    Thanks Glenn for all you do. I have learned more since I have been listening to you than I have in my entire adult life. You inspire me to research history, etc. I pray for you and your family’s safety. Please don’t forget Andrew Breitbart.

    Report Post »  
    • P C BE DAMNED
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 8:57pm

      Glenn, I don’t care what they say . I know you have a plan and will not disclose the hand you are going to play. Most of the negative comments are usually from people who know more than all of us and can’t understand why you are not doing things their way. I see and I know you are real. Hell your life is on the line from powerful people and God I love your comments to Van the other day.I think you could kick his ass. Thanks for the education as to whether we all are just racists or just men. We owe you for allowing God to use you. Keep humble and realize the homosexuals are not a good thing and I know you know that. I would take a full clip for you. Love ya brother.

      Report Post » P C BE DAMNED  
  • NOBALONEY
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 8:29pm

    Early daze of the rodeo clown.

    Report Post » NOBALONEY  
    • barber2
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 9:48pm

      NO: you need to substitute the No part of your name for ” 99%” …to correctly identify your Lefty opinions…

      Report Post »  
    • GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas
      Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:43am

      And you love being here spending your time trying to know everything about him and his business..

      Report Post » GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas  
  • rdjones
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 8:19pm

    I think GB had a good chance to be a contender when he left FOX and HE knows it.
    I think he has now blown that chance, at least with me. HE knows he blew it with many others now that were his fans and you can always see on those posts the hurt..

    I see posts all over the internet of former fans, and they are upset with him. NOT people out to get him, just lost faith in him.

    There are some out there trying to smear him like MM and George S people.
    GB is taking down himself now, so George‘s people don’t have to do anything anymore.

    Report Post » rdjones  
    • Tifn8r
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 8:39pm

      So, you mean the fact that he stuck to his beliefs, continues to follow his heart and tell you exactly what he believes threw you off the train? If that’s what did it, you’ve got issues.

      If you “lost faith” in him for not taking the easy route and falling in line with the typical media talking heads, you should rethink your priorities.

      I‘m glad he’s not a “contender”, because what he was contending with was mediocrity at best, and hypocrisy at worst.

      Try finding the courage to stand up for what you really believe in, and see what kind of character it really takes to throw off the trappings of the world in order to sink everything you have into something you believe in, and then see if you don’t see Mr. Beck in the light that the rest of us see him in.

      He’s not soaking up the blinding stage lights of the red carpet runways, but the subdued lights of the kitchen table, where you sit with those you trust and have confidence in. Where you talk about all the scary, wonderful things in life that keep you up at night, and get you going in the morning.

      Report Post » Tifn8r  
    • Teabunny
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 9:02pm

      Tif …(clicking Like button) : )

      Report Post » Teabunny  
    • ZaphodsPlanet
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 9:03pm

      You’re pathetic. Nice try…. “Could have been a contender”……LOL. He’s one upping them by leaps and bounds. You sound like a typical liberal deadbeat that would poo poo something like an iPod in place of a Zune. What??? What happened to the Zune? I think that will be my new term for mentally challenged liberals like you…. What a Zune you are.

      Go play with your dinosaurs now and don’t worry, I’m sure Dan Rather and Keith Olberman would love to come to your house and play or sit in front of your fancy picture box.

      Report Post » ZaphodsPlanet  
    • Teabunny
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 9:19pm

      ouch! (lol)

      Report Post » Teabunny  
    • GeorgieJo
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 10:16pm

      Well RD—-I’m proud to say I have introduced Glenn Beck to many of my friends and loan all my books to them.Three of my friends have signed up for GBTV. Glenn has taught me alot and I pray for him and his family.
      For a guy who took ONE class at college—I consider Glenn to be a GREAT PROFESSOR.
      He loves his family,his church and his country.
      Good enough for me.

      Report Post »  
    • Tifn8r
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 10:20pm

      Thanx Tea. :)

      Trolls tire me. Beck inspires me!

      Report Post » Tifn8r  
    • Bub47
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 11:23pm

      Fox got him his ‘Bully Pulpit’ Without Fox there would be no GBTV and that is where the rubber really meets the road.

      Report Post »  
    • JustMeHere_01
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 11:46pm

      @Bub47
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 11:23pm

      Fox got him his ‘Bully Pulpit’ Without Fox there would be no GBTV and that is where the rubber really meets the road.
      ——————————————————–
      You are wrong. I first saw Glenn Beck on CNN I think. I followed him from there to Fox News,. If not for Glenn Beck I would not have watched very much of Fox News. I know longer watch Fox News since he left.

      Glenn Beck seems to be doing well. Maybe not as many viewers since any viewer he has has to pay a price to see him these days. I am one of those that would prefer to pay and watch him and his Real News Program hosted by Amy Holmes than to watch crap that is free.

      Report Post » JustMeHere_01  
    • UnreconstructedLibertarian
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 11:54pm

      My Glenn Beck “faith-o-meter” will go back up to max – when I can watch a full hour of Judge Napolitano at 8 o’clock central time, on GBTV.

      Report Post » UnreconstructedLibertarian  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on May 11, 2012 at 2:09am

      RDJONES is just a hater troll trying to convince casual Blaze readers that “GBTV BAD” Me no watch no more.

      Just click on his name and read his last 10 posts.

      Tool

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
  • v15
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 8:12pm

    This is just what I needed to hear today, as I’m trying to figure out what to do with my life. Thanks, Glenn, for all of the good things you do despite all of the opposition that you receive. GBTV is awesome! Super stoked to see Scott Baker around since it was his show “the b-cast” that got me initially stoked about current events, politics, etc. It wasn’t until “The B-Cast” stopped airing that I started looking for something to fill the void…and stumbled upon your show & signed up for insider extreme! It’s cool to know that there are honest people still in there world and that the American Dream is NOT dead!!! :) Blessings to you, your family, and all your staff on The Blaze & Mercury One!

    Report Post » v15  
  • ww2daughter
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 8:11pm

    …Mr. Beck, thank you for your insight!!!!! You are a tremdous inpiration to me, and I know to others. Please, please, please be careful, and remember Andrew Brightbart!!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • cdcats8
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 8:10pm

    Men age so much better than women.

    Report Post »  
  • ww2daughter
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 8:08pm

    …ok, so Glenn, I miss your show on Fox and am tuned into GBTV. Kudoos to you and your road in life. You set an example for those of us who “fall off the beaten path and return to the right path”. God speed, and please, please, please do not dismiss what happened to Andrew Brightbart!!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • rdjones
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 8:06pm

    @MOUS******A

    What and who are you?

    Do you have a point?

    Report Post » rdjones  
    • barber2
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 10:43pm

      it’s just the Tim troll in a new disguise. Gone off the religious babble into just babble !

      Report Post »  
  • yathink
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 7:57pm

    Let me tell you. Mr. Glenn Beck has never been shy about his shaded history. For those who don’t know we came up in a good time in America. A time when you had every way possible to screw it up. Here’s what I know. Theres never been anyone I meet that proded me, pushed me, and clubed me to learn like Mr. Glenn Beck. Accept for my High School America History teacher. Who by the way was my football coach as well. But when I first started listening to Glenn he told a story around Thanksgiving time about a little boy going on a trip during holiday in the way back of a station wagon. When I heard that story I knew who he was, and he knew who I was. I have never stoped learning. Thank You and God Bless Mr. Glenn Beck

    Report Post » yathink  
    • jespasinthru
      Posted on May 12, 2012 at 11:26pm

      About a year ago, one of the big liberal websites offered a ten thousand dollar reward to anybody who could dig up dirt on Glenn Beck. It became a total laughingstock. I even joined all the internet comedians and posted on their site.
      “How can you dig up dirt on a man who has already cleaned out his closet and showed the whole world his skeletons? That‘s a Flappin’ In The Breeze effort if there ever was one!”

      Report Post » jespasinthru  
  • moussiagilda
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 7:55pm

    I just got my mail from my Ma, and guess what I got — an invitation to the CSC Appreciation Dinner! With Barry Alvarez! June 7th! We get to thank Barry for the free food!

    Jig’s up…

    Report Post »  
  • moussiagilda
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 7:49pm

    I’ll switch to another thread, post, and come back.

    Let my Glenn Beck go…

     
  • moussiagilda
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 7:48pm

    After having put nothing on his Facebook page since April 16th, making us all wonder if he was dead or something, Paul Ryan posted on it today, in his characteristic unmistakeable voice. None of us have to be fraidycats. C’mon.

    Report Post »  
  • frust@ted
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 7:48pm

    Glenn’s story is a good one, a lot of it was talked about in Real America his first book. His show has changed quite a bit since i started listening to him around 2002. I do wish he would bring back a little more of the comedy. I miss the jeoprady stuff and moron trivia and he used to do a great skit the day after Valentines day that was hilarious.
    Sometimes the news sucks so hard it’s good to just laugh for a day.

    Report Post »  
  • moussiagilda
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 7:47pm

    C’mon, c’mon, c’mon, you blank-eyed wheedlers.

    Report Post »  
  • hi
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 7:47pm

    Oh, also my son is witty and can make you laugh. He doesn’t have a mean bone in his body.

    Report Post » hi  
  • copatriots
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 7:46pm

    Congrats, Glenn! You do your family proud!

    Report Post »  
  • AMENDMENT
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 7:44pm

    guess hes not proud of the cnn headline news show lol… but then i would probably be inclind to leave that out of my resume too! :P

    Report Post » AMENDMENT  
  • hi
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 7:44pm

    Mr. Beck should hire my son who has movie star looks, has a deep voice, can speak extemporaneously in public, and is studying to be a physicist but is knowledgeable in history and real life stuff whatnot too. (ie scary smart) Most important, he has Christ-like character.

    You have my email, although it’s not my real name! Haha!

    Report Post » hi  
  • rdjones
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 7:43pm

    I am now out of the Beck-bubble, and I now don’t miss it anymore, but I tune in to him on the radio some and watch the stuff on the Blaze and send in tips when I think it will fit in to the “empire”.

    Some of the people he has hired, are NOT like Glenn.

    I decideed the fear mongering and destroying people for personal gain was not for me, but I wish Glenn well and hope he helps more than he hurts, but he needs to prove it to his fans.

    Report Post » rdjones  
    • JustMeHere_01
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 11:38pm

      rdjones
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 7:43pm
      I am now out of the Beck-bubble, and I now don’t miss it anymore, but I tune in to him on the radio some and watch the stuff on the Blaze and send in tips when I think it will fit in to the “empire”.

      Some of the people he has hired, are NOT like Glenn.

      I decideed the fear mongering and destroying people for personal gain was not for me, but I wish Glenn well and hope he helps more than he hurts, but he needs to prove it to his fans.

      Report Post » JustMeHere_01  
    • JustMeHere_01
      Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:12am

      @Rdjones
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 7:43pm
      I am now out of the Beck-bubble, and I now don’t miss it anymore, but I tune in to him on the radio some and watch the stuff on the Blaze and send in tips when I think it will fit in to the “empire”.

      Some of the people he has hired, are NOT like Glenn.

      I decideed the fear mongering and destroying people for personal gain was not for me, but I wish Glenn well and hope he helps more than he hurts, but he needs to prove it to his fans.
      ——————————————————————–
      I will try this again. Tell me what he says that gives you fear. Is it that when you hear the truth then you become agitated Is it that when you hear the truth then you become fearful? Are you so afraid that at some point that you may have to take care of your own self.

      Is that it. The fear of self preservation? Please tell us what it is that you fear so much.

      Report Post » JustMeHere_01  
    • JustMeHere_01
      Posted on May 11, 2012 at 1:17am

      @RDJONES

      I decideed the fear mongering and destroying people for personal gain was not for me, but I wish Glenn well and hope he helps more than he hurts, but he needs to prove it to his fans.
      ———————————————————————————-
      Please tell me who Gkenn Beck is destroying. I hear him telling the truth and yes that may hurt some people. Is it Van Jones you are worried about, or Bill Ayers or Anita Dunn. Just who is it that Glenn is talking about that concerns you so much.

      Who is it that he is destroying by providing information on them that bothers you so much. Give me a name that is being unjustifably being portrayed than has you so upset.

      Report Post » JustMeHere_01  
    • MountainJac
      Posted on May 11, 2012 at 8:48am

      Haven’t you ever heard the saying, “the Truth hurts?” Wouldn’t it be nice if we could tell the truth and nobody would get hurt. But that’s impossible, why? in order to tell the truth, that means someone must be lying and someone has an agenda. So yah, RDJONES, the truth will make you miserable if your character is not up to par, but give it the chance to set you free. Come back to the GB “bubble” as you called it, since obviously your very lukewarm.

      Report Post »  
  • allenb611
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 7:43pm

    Actually Glenn owes his success to Fidel Castro and hanging chads.

    Report Post »  
  • P8riot
    Posted on May 10, 2012 at 7:40pm

    Wow, do you mean that someone can succeed in America without affirmative action or government handouts? Huh, guess someone better call Obama.

    Report Post » P8riot  
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