The television advertisements specifically promoted this film as a "date movie" for male-female couples. "Real people" were interviewed outside early screenings, with each of the women commenting on how their husbands loved the picture and loved Dolly Parton. This strategy failed to pay off, however, as "Straight Talk" garnered mainly an audience of women and Parton's devotees.
"WKRP in Cincinnati" (1978) season 3, episode 15, "Ask Jennifer" had almost the same storyline. WKRP's buxom blonde receptionist, Jennifer Marlowe, fills in unexpectedly for the station's newly-hired call-in host. She's a natural and becomes a big hit. Against her wishes, she's talked into continuing until a replacement is found. All goes well until she gives a caller advice that has unintended consequences.
The two cars prominently featured to signify Shirlee Kenyon's journey from rags-to-riches are a Ford Pinto and a Mercedes-Benz SL.
A soundboard engineer wears a Wabash College sweatshirt. WNDY was Wabash College's radio station