Behind The Mic with MAB

In this episode of Behind the Mic, Amanda Fontaine sits down with Scott Simmons, Chief Communications Officer and Director of External Affairs for the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). After an award-winning career as an Emmy and Murrow-winning journalist, Scott transitioned from the anchor desk to emergency management, taking on one of the state’s most critical leadership roles. Sco...

This week, host Amanda Fontaine sits down with Jake Wimberly, one of Mississippi’s most influential voices in sports media. Known as the “King of High School Football,” Jake has spent over a decade shaping the sports landscape as a radio host on ESPN 105.9 The Zone and as program director for both ESPN 105.9 and 106.3 The Fan. From calling games for the Brandon Bulldogs and Hinds Community College...

In Episode #12 of Behind The Mic with MAB, host Amanda Fontaine sits down with a true broadcasting powerhouse, Tai (Taiju) Takahashi. With over 30 years of executive news management, Tai has led award-winning newsrooms from Atlanta to Portland, and today serves as News Director at WJTV/WHLT in Mississippi.   Tai’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. From winning multiple Emmy and...

In this inspiring episode of Behind the Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with Daniella Oropeza, Assistant News Director and Morning Anchor at WTVA. From her early days as a reporter to becoming a trusted voice in Mississippi journalism, Daniella has built a career rooted in integrity, compassion, and community connection.   Daniella shares the stories behind her most impactful coverage, fro...

On this electrifying episode of Behind the Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with Cash Matlock, the award-winning news director who’s shaking up Mississippi media. At just 28, Cash oversees news content for ten radio stations under Digio Strategies, where he blends sharp journalism with cinematic storytelling to deliver news that actually connects. From earning the 2024 MAB Radio Rookie of t...

Tune in to an inspiring episode of Behind the Mic with MAB as host Amanda Fontaine sits down with the dynamic Keaundria Milloy, a trailblazing multimedia journalist and weekend anchor at WDAM 7 News in Mississippi. From her humble beginnings in Mount Olive to becoming a recognized voice in Mississippi media, Keaundria shares her incredible journey, her passion for storytelling, and the challenges...

In this heartfelt episode of Behind The Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with journalist Ross McLeod to reflect on his impactful journey at WTOK in Meridian and the exciting new path ahead at WDAM in Hattiesburg. From long days at the Neshoba County Fair to breaking local stories that mattered, Ross opens up about the lessons he’s learned, the people who’ve shaped his career, and why commun...

In this episode of Behind the Mic with MAB, Amanda Fontaine sits down with Yolanda Singleton — a woman who's done so much more than most of us could imagine. Yolanda shares her story, from being a proud mom and nurse to becoming a trailblazer in the music and entertainment scene here in Mississippi. She’s also a familiar voice on our airwaves, as she co-hosts Coffee and Conversations on WMPR 90.1...

In this episode, Amanda Fontaine interviews Joey Barnes , a veteran journalist with nearly 20 years of experience reporting in North Mississippi and West Alabama. Explore Joey's journey from intern to news director at WCBI , and hear about his impactful stories—from covering natural disasters and political events to shaping state legislation. Additionally, Amanda and Joey discuss the recent tornad...

In this episode, Amanda Fontaine welcomes the legendary Hank Price, a media visionary with over four decades of leadership in television and digital media. Hank shares his remarkable journey from consulting and writing to serving as President & General Manager at major networks like WVTM 13 and WBBM-TV. Tune in as they explore Hank's insights on managing today's news media, leadership in the e...

In this episode, Amanda Fontaine sits down with Howard Ballou, a revered figure in broadcast journalism with over 30 years of experience. Howard shares his journey through the industry, highlighting his numerous accolades, including prestigious awards for his impactful documentaries and reporting. From his induction into the Mississippi Associated Press Broadcasters Hall of Fame to his active role...

Welcome to Behind the Mic with MAB, where we dive deep into the stories behind the voices you hear on the airwaves. I’m Amanda Fontaine, Executive Director of the MAB and your host.  Today, I have a very special guest— Miss Hannah Lane! You’ve heard her on US96.3’s Nate & Traci Morning Show, and she’s also a powerhouse content creator shaping the sound and style of radio in Mississippi.  On to...

In this premiere episode of Behind the Mic, we sit down with Wilson Stribling, a veteran journalist with over 20 years in Mississippi media. From anchoring at WLBT to covering historic events like Hurricane Katrina, Wilson has witnessed firsthand the evolution of journalism. We’ll discuss his journey from Ole Miss to the anchor desk, his most unforgettable reporting moments, and where he sees the...