Callie Luttman Named Behind the Mic Mentee

The Champaign-based radio host secures a prestigious one-year mentorship with industry nonprofit MIW.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Internships

A professional radio microphone sits on a stand inside a dim, quiet studio with sound-dampening wall panels. — Callie Luttman, a morning radio host at WLRW-FM in Champaign, has been named the 2026 Behind the Mic mentee by the nonprofit MIW. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio has selected Callie Luttman, a morning show host on WLRW-FM, as its 2026 Behind the Mic mentee. Luttman will receive a year of one-on-one professional development focused on programming and talent growth.

Why it matters

This mentorship program aims to accelerate the advancement of women in radio broadcasting by pairing rising on-air personalities with senior industry leaders. It provides Luttman with high-level guidance in brand strategy and audience growth to further her career in the radio sector.

Luttman brings four years of experience as a morning show co-host to the year-long program. She currently contributes to local radio efforts in Champaign-Urbana.

The players

Callie Luttman

She is a radio personality in Champaign-Urbana who hosts an afternoon drive show and a public affairs program.

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio

This is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of women in the radio broadcasting industry.

WLRW-FM

This is a radio station based in Champaign-Urbana that is part of Saga Communications.

The details

The program provides personalized mentorship in programming, talent development, and audience growth. As part of her professional development, Luttman is scheduled to participate in the 2027 NAB Show in Las Vegas.

2026: Callie Luttman is selected as the Behind the Mic mentee.
2027: Luttman will attend the NAB Show in Las Vegas.

Market Landscape

The mentorship aligns with the broader push to address gender representation gaps within professional broadcasting circles. By connecting with the NAB Show, Luttman joins a larger network of talent competing in the evolving radio landscape.

Local radio listeners in the Champaign-Urbana area will see Luttman continue her work on The Vibe and her public affairs program, Focus, while she completes her year of mentorship. The program does not interrupt her current responsibilities at the station.

The takeaway

This mentorship offers a structured pathway for radio professionals to refine their brand strategy and audience engagement skills. Aspiring broadcasters can monitor professional nonprofit initiatives to identify similar career advancement opportunities.