Baldassano Named ’24 MIW Trailblazer
• Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of female leadership in radio broadcasting, proudly names Corinne Baldassano as the 2024 MIW Frances Preston Trailblazer.
MIW’s Trailblazer Award, named in honor of the late Frances Preston, music industry pioneer and longtime BMI President & CEO, is MIW’s highest accolade, and 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. The award was presented last week during the 2024 NAB Show in Las Vegas.
Baldassano most recently served as Senior Vice President of Programming & Marketing at Take On The Day, LLC / The Dr. Laura Program. Her radio career began as an Editorial Asst. at WHN Radio in New York City, later rising to Music Director. She went on to spend 16 years with ABC, including roles as Music Director at WPLJ/New York and PD of KAUM-FM/Houston. Baldassano was later named Program Director of ABC’s Contemporary and FM Radio Networks, Director of the ABC Entertainment Radio Network, and VP of Programming for ABC Radio Networks, overseeing major shows like American Top 40. Other roles include VP of Programming at Westwood One, SVP of Programming at Sony’s SW Networks, and GM of the Radio Division at the Associated Press. Baldassano is a founding member of MIW and serves on its Advisory Board.
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.”
“I am honored to accept this year’s Trailblazer Award from the MIWs,” Baldassano said. “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!”
Corinne Baldassano joins an illustrious group of prior honorees, including 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).
