Mark Bergin

08/25/2026

Dolly Parton was the embodiment of the goodness of humanity.

The angel of the Smokies.

I’ll never forget her contributions to the recovery efforts in the aftermath of the 2016 Great Smoky Mountain wildfires.

Her impact is immeasurable: Dollywood. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Iconic music.

Starting my career at WBIR in Knoxville, I was fortunate to learn about her and cover the impact that she had on the East Tennessee community.

Here’s a story I wrote in 2024 about how she helped raise millions of dollars for Hurricane Helene relief: https://www.wral.com/archive/21657431/

Rest in peace. Today we lost a true legend.

08/17/2026

I am proud to be part of the E&V Strategic Communications team. What a day with a talented group of coworkers!

06/26/2026

✅ Week 1 is in the books with Eckel & Vaughan!

06/17/2026

After more than four years at WRAL TV and Capitol Broadcasting Company, this week marks the end of a chapter in my career.

My journalism career dates back to 2009-2010, when I started writing online. I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the best people in the journalism industry in newsrooms across the country.

What I’ll miss most: The people.

Thank you to anyone who has commented, clicked, interacted, read, listened or watched my work over the years. I’m grateful for the opportunities I had at WRAL.

As one chapter closes, another begins.

I'm excited to share that I have joined Eckel & Vaughan as an Account Manager. This opportunity allows me to apply my storytelling, content strategy and communications experience in a new way while helping clients achieve their business and communications goals.

I'm pleased that I will get to stay in Raleigh, a place that has quickly become home.

Thank you to everyone at WRAL and Capitol Broadcasting Company who has been part of my journey.

05/07/2026

76 teams in the NCAA Tournament. What do you think of the new format? 🏀

The NCAA will expand its March Madness tournaments by eight teams each next season. It will add more early-round games in the first week without altering the overall format. The new 76-team brackets for men and women will feature 12 games involving 24 teams.

05/06/2026

There won't be a Triple Crown winner this year. Golden Tempo will not run in the Preakness Stakes.

I'm fortunate to have seen a Triple Crown winner, one of 13 horses total.

In 2018, I was at the Kentucky Derby to see Justify. I'll never forget it.

Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo will not run in the Preakness Stakes next weekend. Trainer Cherie DeVaux announced the plan to skip the Preakness and set sights on the Belmont Stakes on June 6 at Saratoga Race Course in upstate New York. Golden Tempo is the third Derby winner in the past five ...

04/24/2026

Instant reaction to the Steelers drafting OT Max Iheanachor with the 21st pick of the 2026 NFL Draft 🚨🏈⚫️🟡

04/16/2026

MOON MISSION 🚀🌕 What a journey for Christina Koch and her fellow astronauts!

The Artemis II crew, including NC State alumna Christina Koch, shared their reflections at the Johnson Space Center after their historic journey that took them 252,756 miles from Earth.

04/08/2026

6 YEARS, $50 MILLION 🏀💰 Michael Malone's deal includes performance bonuses and a commitment of at least $6.75 million annually toward roster revenue sharing.

North Carolina and former Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone agreed to a six-year, $50 million contract. The deal includes performance bonuses and a commitment of at least $6.75 million annually toward roster revenue sharing.