When it comes to the number of women holding the General Manager position at AM and FM radio stations across the U.S., there are slightly more in 2016 than what was seen in 2015.
But, overall growth is slow, based on the just-released Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Group “MIW Gender Analysis Study.”
The study takes a magnifying glass to some 11,229 AM and FM radio stations accounted for by PrecisionTrak as of Dec. 31, 2016.
As 2017 began, some 1,944 stations (17.8%) had women holding the GM position in 2016. This is a half-point increase from 2015, which was 17.3%.
While growth is slow, the increase in the percentage of women in management roles has been unabated.
The 17.8% presence at AM and FM stations compares to 14.9% at the end of 2004.
MARKET SIZE DOESN’T MATTER
In the top 100 radio markets, the number of female GMs is almost the same as the national average when evaluating all markets.
In 2016, women managed 17.7% of stations in these markets, which compares to 16.3% in 2015.
Overall, sales management continues to provide the best management opportunities for women. In 2016, 31.5% of all stations had a female sales manager, which is up one full percentage point from the prior year. In the top 100 markets, 31.4% of the stations have female sales managers — representing a slight increase from 2015.
The greatest challenge for women in radio management continues to be found in the programming department.
Women currently program only 10.7% of all stations in the country, which compares to the same number a decade ago.
The news is better in the top 100 markets, where women now represent 12.2% of all programmers. This is statistically flat from last year.
The MIW’s have been analyzing and publishing gender employment data since 2000.
“It is so important that we track women in broadcast leadership roles,” MIW Group spokeswoman Kay Olin said. “Not only does it keep us focused on our MIW mission, it keeps us focused on supporting and growing a leadership path for female professionals that have chosen a career in radio broadcasting.”
The Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Group consists of top-level female radio broadcasting and media professionals who are dedicated to using their influence and resources to help other women in the industry develop strong management and leadership skills.
