ABC News has a new vice president of audio as it has announced the promotion of Liz Alesse to the position. Alesse will manage the entire audio business in her new role with the company, including ABC News Radio, podcasts, and entertainment content service.   

“Liz is already a trusted member of the ABC Audio team, most recently serving as director and executive producer of Podcast Programming,” Reena Mehta, ABC News senior vice president of streaming and digital content, said in a statement. 

“She has been instrumental in growing and re-organizing our award-winning podcast team, developing successful content and monetization strategies, and partnering closely within the news division and across The Walt Disney Company to promote our work.”

Alesse has overseen the launches of new podcasts for ABC News, such as “Life Out Loud with LZ Granderson,” “Close Up,” and “The Book Case with Kate and Charlie Gibson.”

Furthermore, she also took the lead in creating the “GMA” Channel on Apple Podcasts, which carries the new “Good Morning America” podcast and ABC Audio’s expanding library of lifestyle, culture, and entertainment on-demand audio content.

With Alesse having a pivotal role in the audio department, ABC News has received Webby Awards, a Gracie Award, GLAAD Special Recognition honors, and other honors.   

“I am so proud of ABC News’ legacy in the audio and radio space. In this new role, Liz will be vital in leading the division to continued success,” Mehta concluded. 

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation has announced the 47th Annual Gracie Awards winners, including the radio talk show, The DJV Show, hosted by Doug Stephan and Co-Hosts Jennifer Horn and Victoria Keelan, along with Jai Kershner presenting the What’s Trending Report.

These awards honor the most accomplished women in television, radio, and digital media with a presentation at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles on May 24th. 

“The DJV Show is customizable by daypart to fit any station’s needs. Stations can localize the show by including their own content at designated points throughout each hour,” the statement said, which Barrett News Media obtained. 

“It can also be tailored to fit multiple formats, including talk, adult contemporary, classic hits, hot AC, oldies, and more. The Gracies honor the outstanding talent, such as The DJV Show, and content in radio, television, and digital media made by, for, and about women.”

The “DJV Show” is a morning talk-radio show that airs live Monday through Friday from 5 am until 9 am, featuring a fast-paced layout covering various topics. Furthermore, the program has over 325 affiliates nationwide. 

A federal judge has thrown out a lawsuit brought by a former NPR network operation technician who alleged that he faced racial discrimination and unfair treatment while employed at the network.

According to Inside Radio, Zandile Mkwanazi’s suit alleged he was subject to discrimination based on his race and a hostile work environment. His suit alleged that he was subject to discrimination based on his race and a hostile work environment. 

Mkwanazi was fired in October 2019. He sought back pay and damages from NPR and a court order blocking the network from taking any retaliatory actions against him with future employers.

The lawsuit said, Mkwanazi’s supervisor, who was white, introduced him to coworkers as “a new boy working for us” and repeatedly used the term “boy.” Mkwanazi said he found the term racially offensive even though his supervisor referred to all employees as “boys.”

“The parties participated in mediation, and they have reached a resolution in principle,” attorneys said in a statement. Mkwanazi was seeking unspecified damages for lost wages as well as compensatory and punitive damages.