TALKERS News Notes
Tanner to Exit NYPR. New York Public Radio president and CEO Christy Tanner is stepping down after just eight months in the position, according to Gothamist. Tanner joined shortly after the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provided funding for public media across the country, shut down due to funding cuts imposed by Congress and President Donald Trump. New York Public Radio did not provide a reason for Tanner’s exit.
MIW Announces Digital Sales Mentorship. Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc announces the return of its Digital Sales Mentorship Program. The year-long program is designed to strengthen the digital expertise and leadership skills of women working in radio and digital media sales, providing one selected mentee with personalized, hands-on mentorship from an accomplished industry leader. Get more info and apply here.
2026. LAUNCH was created to develop and advance women pursuing careers in broadcast engineering, audio production and technical operations. The year-long mentorship pairs a rising professional with an experienced industry leader for one-on-one guidance, professional development and deeper exposure to the technologies and operations powering today’s broadcast and audio industry. MIW Board President Sheila Kirby said, “As technology continues to transform every part of the broadcast business, we need more women building, operating and leading the systems that will take our industry forward. Expanding LAUNCH to include women working with our technology partners and vendors allows us to reach talented professionals across a much broader part of the broadcast ecosystem. This program is about giving women access to the mentorship, technical knowledge and relationships that can help turn career potential into long-term leadership.”
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc announces that Tracy Walker, general sales manager at Connoisseur Media’s Saginaw, Michigan station group that includes news/talk WSGW-AM/FM, is the 2026 mentee selected for the Speak Up! Mentorship Program. MIW says that the program was developed in partnership with Media Staffing Network and the late Laurie Kahn. It’s a year-long mentorship created for a woman working in any department within a small to medium radio market.
Friday, August 28. The program was created in honor of the late founder of Media Staffing Network, Laurie Kahn. MIW says Speak Up! is a year-long mentorship program designed to empower women working in small- and medium-market radio stations across all departments. One outstanding candidate will receive personalized mentorship from MIW’s network of female broadcast leaders, complemented by executive coaching from Media Staffing Network’s certified coaches. 
connects one rising programming professional with some of the industry’s most accomplished content leaders. Through personalized mentorship, strategic networking opportunities, and career-focused guidance, the program is designed to help participants strengthen their leadership skills and accelerate their professional growth.” The mentorship is open to one female brand manager, content/program director, assistant program director, or music director from any U.S.-based radio format. Applications are open now and will be accepted through July 2, 2026. 
management for Urban One. MIW says Flowers “has built a career centered on driving revenue, fostering meaningful brand partnerships, and creating opportunities for growth across the industry.” MIW board president Sheila Kirby comments, “Lori is truly a light in this industry, someone who consistently shows up with intention, generosity, and a commitment to lifting others. She brings both strategic clarity and a strong sense of purpose to everything she does, and I have no doubt she will continue to push MIW forward while creating meaningful opportunities for women across the business.”
contributing their time, expertise, and resources. Honorees are true champions of service, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to fostering growth and progress within the industry.” McVay was presented with the award by Erica Farber on April 20, at the MIW Lipstick & Lobster Dinner at Maggiano’s. MIW board president Sheila Kirby states, “Mike McVay has been a consistent and powerful advocate for both the radio industry and the advancement of women within it. His willingness to share his time, expertise, and influence has made a lasting impact on MIW and the broader community we serve. Mike doesn’t just support the mission, he actively helps move it forward, and that kind of leadership is exactly what the Erica Farber Impact Award represents.”
According to the study, 22.07% (2366 stations) had women holding the general manager position in 2025. This is a slight increase from last year where the number was 21.67% and compared to 2004 continues to show solid growth when the percentage of female general managers was only 14.9%. MIW says, “Overall, the best management opportunities for women in radio continues to be in sales management. 35.31% (3561 stations) had a woman sales manager in 2025 which is basically flat from 35.67% in 2024. The greatest challenge for women in radio management continues to be in the area of program directors/brand managers. Women currently program 13.02% (289 stations) which is a slight gain from 12.38% in 2024. MIW board president Sheila Kirby comments, “Twenty-five years of data give us clarity. We are encouraged to see movement in general manager and programming roles, particularly within the Top 100 markets. At the same time, flat growth in sales leadership and the continued underrepresentation of women in programming nationally remind us that progress is not automatic. Sustainable advancement requires intention. MIW remains committed to mentoring, advocating, and creating pathways for women to lead at every level of the industry.”
says, “This interactive session brings together four distinguished executives representing key areas across today’s audio landscape, offering attendees an opportunity to learn practical leadership skills, modern management strategies, and actionable insights for navigating a rapidly evolving industry.” Panelists will include: Erik Hellum, chief operating officer, Townsquare Media Group; Dara M. Kalvort, VP of digital sales, StreamGuys; Kieran Geffert, SVP and market manager, Audacy San Francisco; and Mary Boyle, VP & general manager, WGN Radio Chicago – Nexstar Media Inc. 
Annual Digital Sales Mentorship Program. Candidates now have until December 29 to apply. MIW says, “This year-long program is a career-accelerating opportunity designed to strengthen the next generation of women leaders in digital radio sales. One outstanding female seller or manager will be selected to receive personalized, hands-on mentorship from a top industry expert; an opportunity that can reshape a career trajectory.” 
LAUNCH Program. McNally currently serves as broadcast operations manager for Townsquare Media in Texas. MIW board president Sheila Kirby says, “Eunice is exactly the kind of emerging leader LAUNCH was built to champion. Her hands-on operations experience at Townsquare and iHeart, paired with a learner’s mindset and obvious passion for the craft, signal real leadership potential. We’re excited to provide the mentorship, access, and support that will help her accelerate the next stage of her career.”
technical operations. This one-of-a-kind, year-long mentorship pairs a rising professional with a seasoned industry leader to provide one-on-one coaching and deep exposure to the technical side of the broadcast industry.” The selected mentee will gain hands-on insight into critical areas including FCC compliance, RF systems, EAS, IP-based broadcast systems, automation, and network operations. The program also explores key aspects of IT, remote broadcasting, digital audio, streaming, and systems integration, equipping participants with both the knowledge and connections to lead confidently in the evolving audio landscape. In addition, the chosen mentee will attend the 2026 NAB Show in Las Vegas. MIW Board President Sheila Kirby says, “The LAUNCH program is a cornerstone of MIW’s mission to open doors for women in every corner of broadcasting. By focusing on engineering and technical operations, we’re not only providing critical skills and mentorship, but also ensuring that women have a strong voice in shaping the future of our industry. We are deeply grateful to Mr. Master, Premiere Networks, and of course the NAB Leadership Foundation for their support in helping us prepare the next generation of broadcast leaders.”
designed for women working in small to medium radio markets across any department. One deserving candidate will be selected to receive personalized coaching and mentorship from MIW’s network of experienced female executives as well as certified coaches from Media Staffing Network. MIW Board president Sheila Kirby says, “MIW is proud to continue honoring Laurie Kahn’s legacy through the Speak Up! Program. Each year, we have the opportunity to support emerging female leaders and help them find their voice and path to growth in our industry. This program represents the very heart of our mission.”
minds in the business. Through personalized conversations, strategic connections, and unique opportunities, the program aims to empower and elevate the mentee’s career within the radio industry.” This mentorship is open to one female brand manager, content/program director, assistant program director, or music director from any U.S.-based format. “The ‘MIW Elevating Women in Programming Mentorship’ program is a cornerstone of our mission to empower women in radio,” says MIW board president Sheila Kirby. “This initiative not only fosters personal and professional growth but also builds a stronger and more inclusive future for the industry. We’re excited to welcome another talented mentee into this life-changing program.” 
Streamline Publishing. MIW’s Trailblazer Award, named for music industry pioneer and longtime BMI president and CEO Frances Preston. It is presented annually to a woman who, through her leadership and accomplishments in the industry, champions and creates opportunities for other women in radio to further their careers. 
“Speak Up!” mentorship program in honor of the late Laurie Kahn (pictured). “Speak Up!” is a one-year mentorship designed for women in small to medium radio markets seeking guidance and mentorship to further their career goals. One candidate from radio broadcasting, from any department, will be selected and jointly mentored by MIW experienced executives and Media Staffing Network certified coaches. The application window closes on Friday, May 17. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff says, “This mentorship is particularly special as it continues Laurie’s mission. We are honored to have the privilege to partner with [Media Staffing Network president] Lisa Fields to carry that legacy forward.” 
through her leadership and accomplishments in the industry, champions and creates opportunities for other women in radio to further their careers. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff comments, “Corinne’s remarkable career firmly establishes her as a Trailblazer. In addition to all she’s accomplished, her selfless devotion to mentoring women and men, and absolute delight in helping them achieve their goals, is the essence of who she is. She is truly a mentor of mentors. We are thrilled to recognize her with our highest award.” Baldassano says, “I am honored to accept this year’s Trailblazer Award from MIW. As I built my career, it was natural for me to offer guidance to others who also wanted to take a similar path. And it’s turned out to be one of the most important and satisfying things I’ve ever done. I’m proud of those I have mentored, and I’m humbled to be recognized by an organization committed to fostering the growth of broadcasting’s next generation of women. I’m happy to see my work and theirs come full circle. Thank you!” 
involved, consistently doing the work necessary to drive meaningful change.” Farber’s long and storied broadcasting career includes her work leading the RAB for the past 12 years. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff says, “What more can be said about Erica that hasn’t yet been said? She is a strategic thinker and true trendsetter who gives generously of her time and wisdom. MIW is a better organization because of her. The industry has been enriched in countless ways because of her. What an impact this woman has made!” Farber comments, “I am deeply honored. Being recognized by such influential women in the industry is incredibly meaningful and humbling to me. I owe immense gratitude to the mentors and inspirational women who have supported and uplifted me along the way. They are the foundation of my success. My heartfelt thanks go to Ruth and the MIW Board, and to all of you who share my passion for radio and the impactful work we are privileged to do every day.”
Solutions and president of Strategic Sales Development at Interep. In her role as president-elect, she will continue to champion the mission of MIW, supporting and empowering women across all facets of the radio industry. She states, “I am deeply honored to serve as president of Mentoring and Inspiring Women. Nothing is more meaningful to me than helping women advance in their careers, especially at a time when women in various industries are finally having a well-deserved surge of recognition.” She will succeed current president Ruth Presslaff, who says, “Working with our extraordinary board to become a 501 (c)(3) and create new mentorships for programming, engineering, on-air and our Speak Up program, as well as multiple state association partnerships has been immensely rewarding. I know under Sheila’s incredible leadership, MIW will continue to soar and serve.”