AFA - Johnny Baggett - AFR original

Johnny Baggett is among the five staff members of American Family Radio (AFR) who were employed even before the first words sailed out on the airwaves in August 1991. His role has always been part time, but nonetheless critical.

At AFR, he works Sunday afternoons in the Network Operations Center where he responds to calls for help from the 180-station network and feeds necessary information to an on-call engineer. He then monitors six large screens filled with security video coverage of the entire AFA campus, inside and out. His daughter Olivia also works part time in the same position held by her dad.

“Johnny has been a faithful member of our AFR team from the beginning,” said AFA president Tim Wildmon, “from 1 station to 180.”

Baggett grew up in Pontotoc just a few miles west of AFR studios in Tupelo. With years of experience at a hometown local radio station, he was intrigued to learn that AFR, a new Christian station, was coming to Tupelo. Baggett visited The Stand to reflect on how his journey led him here.

The Stand: Tell us about your path to AFR.

Johnny Baggett: I was saved at age 14. I always loved music, and I was pianist at my church. I started working on-air as a DJ at WSEL in Pontotoc my senior year of high school. Loved it! I worked there for almost 14 years – until the station sold. I then worked for 20th Century Furniture 2 years.

Next, I interviewed for the new Pontotoc County E911 director’s job in 1991 and was hired. About the same time, I saw news about AFR being set up. So I called, got an interview with station manager Brad Bullock, and was hired there too!

TS: How did that all work out?

JB: I took the E911 job full time. But at the same time, I came on board part time at AFR.

I didn’t have the wit of AFR’s JJ Jasper or the voice of John Riley, but I had the same love for Christian radio as they do. I am thankful and honored to be accepted by Bro. Don Wildmon and the board to be a small part of such a great ministry.

My first five years, I worked on-air hosting a Sunday afternoon Southern gospel show.

TS: What changed?

JB: I was transferred to the engineering department. The most challenging thing for me has always been just keeping up with our change and growth. I love being in a Christian atmosphere and with great people.

TS: Any hobbies to mention?

JB: My hobbies include my family, granddaughter Ella, playing piano, and singing in Pontotoc Ridge Boys, a gospel quartet, with my brother Billy and two best friends, Jerry Scott and Terry Robinson.

TS: Tell us a little bit about your family.

JB: My family includes my wife Trenda, three grown children (Jessica, Jacob, and Olivia), and Ella.

Trenda and I have been married 45 years in May this year. I love my family with all my heart. God has blessed us beyond belief.

TS: Do you have a “life verse” or a favorite?

JB: Oh, yes. It’s 1 John 3:2: “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (KJV).

TS: Why is Christian radio needed in our culture?

JB: It reaches people, and it spreads the gospel.