MAB Young Professionals

06/02/2026

On episode 37 of Behind The Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with legendary television news executive, consultant, and transformational coach Lee Eldridge for a fascinating conversation about leadership, storytelling, media innovation, and building winning cultures inside highly competitive newsrooms.
With more than 25 years leading CBS, NBC, and FOX affiliates across the country, Lee became known in the broadcasting industry as a “fix it” News Director, repeatedly transforming struggling stations into market leaders by growing ratings, revenue, morale, and community impact.
From launching groundbreaking newsroom strategies and Emmy-winning productions to coaching today’s digital creators, podcasters, and media personalities, Lee shares the lessons he’s learned from operating at the highest levels of television news and communications.
Amanda and Lee also dive into:
• What separates great newsroom leaders from average ones
• How local television news has evolved into a multi-platform world
• Building strong station culture and team morale
• The future of digital media, podcasts, and content creators
• Crisis communication and brand management
• Why authentic storytelling still matters more than ever
Lee’s career includes leadership roles in major markets including Salt Lake City, San Diego, Louisville, Rochester, Memphis, Atlanta, and Chattanooga, earning multiple Emmy Awards, Murrow Awards, and national recognition along the way.
Whether you work in broadcasting, media, podcasting, journalism, marketing, or leadership, this episode is packed with insight from someone who has spent decades shaping the industry from the inside out.

Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

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05/12/2026

In Episode 36 of Behind the Mic with MAB, host Amanda Fontaine sits down with Sergeant First Class Shelbi Constancio, Marketing Director for the Mississippi Army National Guard. From enlisting in the Active Army in 2005 to serving as a police officer in Clinton, Mississippi, Shelbi’s journey is one of resilience, leadership, and purpose.
She shares her experience re-enlisting in 2015, deploying in 2018, and transitioning into a full-time recruiting role in 2019, all while earning her Master’s in Education and raising five daughters. Shelbi also opens up about balancing military life, motherhood, and personal passions like CrossFit and supporting her daughters on the softball field.
This episode highlights the power of discipline, adaptability, and storytelling in both military service and broadcasting, offering listeners a unique perspective on leadership and community impact.
This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

02/05/2026

How exciting!! Congrats Eboni!!!

Congratulations to Eboni Joi Anderson with WAPT on being named our MAB January Young Professional of the Month!
We’re so proud of your hard work, talent, and dedication to broadcasting!

12/16/2025

Encore Presentation: Behind The Mic with MAB: Episode 26 - Spotlight on Storytelling with Courtney Ann Jackson of WLBT

In this episode of Behind The Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with one of Mississippi’s most respected journalists, Courtney Ann Jackson of WLBT. Courtney Ann shares how a girl from Corinth fell in love with storytelling, followed that passion to Ole Miss, and eventually built a statewide reporting career that has shaped the news landscape for more than a decade.

Amanda guides a conversation that explores Courtney Ann’s journey from NewsWatch anchor to Emmy level reporter, her experience covering everything from presidential visits and statewide elections to tornadoes, prison protests, hurricanes, and the historic vote to change the Mississippi state flag. Courtney Ann explains how she shoots, writes, and edits her own content each day, what it takes to break down complicated policy issues for viewers, and how she consistently earns exclusive interviews with key decision makers at the Capitol.

Listeners will also hear about her time reporting in Washington, her role on the 2018 Senate Debate panel, her recognition as one of Mississippi’s Top 50 leaders, and her award winning coverage that has earned multiple first place honors from the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters.

Beyond the newsroom, Courtney Ann shares pieces of her life as a wife, community leader, traveler, home cook, and supporter of locally owned Mississippi businesses. Her love for this state shines throughout the conversation, and she reflects on why telling Mississippi’s stories remains her greatest honor.

This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

12/14/2025

Encore Presentation: Behind The Mic with MAB, Episode 25, Building Better Radio in a Digital World with Jim Sherwood

In episode number 25 of Behind The Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine welcomes Jim Sherwood to the Audio Alchemy Studios. Jim is the founder and lead developer of Skyrocket Radio, a company dedicated to helping radio stations thrive in today’s digital landscape.

Jim’s career in radio began in 1988 and has taken him through roles at iHeartMedia, CBS Radio, Cumulus Broadcasting, and several local stations. He has done everything from programming to promotions, hosting on the air, managing digital content, and even broadcasting aboard an aircraft carrier during his Navy service. His passion for radio, music, history, and digital innovation led him to launch Mediagin Creative in 2001 and later Skyrocket Radio in 2013.

Today, Jim partners with stations of all sizes to build websites, mobile apps, and digital tools that strengthen brands and deepen audience connection. He also hosts the “Better Radio Websites” podcast, where he shares practical guidance for radio professionals navigating the online world.

Amanda and Jim dive into the evolution of radio, the importance of digital presence, and what stations need to succeed in a rapidly changing media environment.



This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.

11/20/2025

We had a wonderful time at this year’s MAB Student Conference at Eagle Ridge!

Three of our Young Professionals - Ross McLeod (WDAM), Milloy (WDAM) and Daniella Oropeza TV (WTVA) spoke with students from eight Mississippi colleges and universities.

They enjoyed answering questions from those eager to start their career and eager to learn more about the industry!

We’re already planning for next year’s conference!

Congrats to our scholarship winners: Kennedi Drake (USM), Kate Myers (MSU), and Charlie Room (MC).

And a big thank you to WAPT for being our title sponsor!

11/13/2025

WE’RE 7 DAYS AWAY!!!!!
Are you coming to our Student Conference on November 19th??

Let us know what you’re most excited to learn about!!

09/30/2025

Do you know someone making waves in their career, giving back to the community, or leading with passion?

Send your nominations to [email protected] – we want to celebrate their achievements!

✨ And here’s the exciting part: All 12 Young Professionals of the Month will be in the running for MAB Young Professional of the Year! Don’t miss your chance to shine. ✨

Send in your nominations today!!

09/19/2025

What a night! 🎉

We wrapped up another amazing annual social and want to thank everyone who came out to spend the evening with us—it was such a fun and memorable time!

A special thank you to Courtney Ann Jackson for being our guest speaker—she shared some truly valuable insights that we’ll be thinking about for a long time.

We were also excited to announce our Young Professional of the Year finalists and winner! Although a few of our outstanding finalists couldn't be with us—Flora Dedeaux, Shamira Muhammad, and James Parker—we're so proud of their accomplishments and recognition. We were so glad Shamira could be there to celebrate with us!

This year, we had a tie for Young Professional of the Year—and both recipients are active members of our committee! Congratulations to Emily Caballero and Cash Matlock—we couldn’t be more proud of you both! 👏

And lastly, a big shoutout to Amanda, who keeps everything running smoothly and supports us all behind the scenes. She’s truly the heart of our group—our very own Mother Hen. ❤️

09/18/2025

We have exciting news!!!

🎉 Join us TOMORROW at The Iron Horse Grill in Jackson, MS for an unforgettable evening with the Young Professionals Committee of the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters! 🎉

💥 Enjoy beverages, appetizers, great company — and hear from our special guest speaker, Courtney Ann Jackson!💥

✨ We’ll also be announcing our Young Professional of the Year — you don’t want to miss it!✨

📍 The Iron Horse Grill
🗓️ 9/18/2025 (TOMORROW)
⏰ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Let’s connect, celebrate, and grow together. See you there!