Baldassano Recipient of MIW's Preston Trailblazer Award

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 24, 2024 | 10:11pm CT

Corinne Baldassano

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) names Corinne Baldassano as the 2024 MIW Frances Preston Trailblazer. Corinne most recently served as Senior Vice President of Programming & Marketing at Take On The Day LLC/The Dr. Laura Program. MIW's Trailblazer Award, named for music industry pioneer and longtime BMI President and CEO Frances Preston, is MIW's highest accolade. It's 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.

Baldassano is a radio veteran with a long, extremely successful and storied career, which began at WHN Radio in New York City, where she started as an Editorial Researcher and rose to Music Director. She spent 16 years with ABC, including roles as Music Director at WPLJ-FM in New York and Program Director at KAUM-FM in Houston. She also served as Program Director under Boston Globe's WSAI-FM in Cincinnati.

Later, Corinne was named Program Director of ABC's Contemporary and FM Radio Networks, Director of the ABC Entertainment Radio Network, and Vice President of Programming for ABC Radio Networks, overseeing major programs like American Top 40. She also served on the board of directors for Nashville's Country Radio Broadcasters and worked as Vice President of Programming at Westwood One, and Senior Vice President of Programming at Sony's SW Networks.

Corinne became General Manager of the Radio Division at the Associated Press and most recently served as the Senior Vice President of Programming and Marketing at Take On The Day LLC. She is a founding member of the MIWs and serves on its Advisory Board.

The MIW Trailblazer Award was presented during the 2024 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show on the Main Stage on Monday, April 15th.

MIW Board President Ruth Presslaff commented, "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."

Corinne added, "I am honored to accept this year's Trailblazer Award from the MIWs. 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."

Corinne joins a group of media professionals who are esteemed for their leadership and dedication to the radio industry. Prior honorees include the late Laurie Kahn (2023), Michelle Duke (2022); Christine Travaglini (2019); Julie Talbott (2018); Mary Quass (2017); Beth Neuhoff (2016); Kim Guthrie (2015); Diane Sutter (2014); Weezie Kramer (2013); Caroline Beasley (2012); Ginny Hubbard Morris (2011); Lynn Anderson (2010); and Erica Farber (2009).