RICK BIERLING

Rick Bierling, Jr. was born and raised in Grand Rapids. He began working for WGVU-TV and Radio in 1999 as a part-time production assistant while pursuing a broadcasting degree at Grand Valley State University.  He was hired full-time soon after graduating in 2001 and is now the production and programming coordinator for WGVU-FM 88.5 (Grand Rapids) / 95.3 (Muskegon).  Rick also helps out with production for Real Oldies 1480/850 and WGVU-TV.

“I grew up in a house where WGVU was the default station on the television; especially on Saturdays when my dad and I often watched THIS OLD HOUSE and THE WOODWRIGHT’S SHOP together. It really doesn’t make sense that I’m now completely clueless when it comes to home improvement.”
 
A fan of NPR for many years, Rick considers it a privilege to be working for an NPR affiliate station that is deeply committed to covering the stories, voices, and events of West Michigan and to preserving jazz and the blues on radio. He loves the challenge of keeping up with new technology and changes in radio.  Rick was only a casual jazz fan before coming to WGVU but now it’s his favorite music to listen to. He even hosts Basically Big Bands every Saturday from 3-5pm on WGVU-FM.
 
Rick and his wife Sarah met at church and have been married nearly 7 years. They have 3 children; Anna (5), Fredrick (2), and Eliza (7 mos.).  Together they enjoy camping, nature walks, bike rides, and working in the yard.  A gifted musician, Sarah regularly plays piano for their church and Rick often runs the sound system.
   
In his spare time (a rare commodity with 3 kids), Rick likes to read Classic Literature, Science Fiction, and Christian Theology.  He’s an intense Detroit Tigers baseball fan and tries to attend as many games as possible every summer.  Rick considers Doctor Who “appointment television” and can’t think of a better way to spend Saturday mornings than with a freshly brewed pot of coffee and the radio tuned to WGVU-FM for NPR’s Weekend Edition.