We asked Radio’s 100 Most Influential Women in Radio their thoughts on that issue. We asked them all two questions: 1) Do you believe the playing field is 100% fair for both women and men to advance in radio? 2) Has radio done a good job of promoting women into management and leadership positions? We kept their answers anonymous. Here’s what some of them had to say.
Question #1 – Do you believe the playing field is 100% fair for both women and men to advance in radio?
– No, I think the men that run the companies look for men like themselves to promote/hire. For example, I’ve seen retired market managers pulled out of retirement to come back and run open markets. We need more diversity and ideas in order to keep growing the business. The business has changed and outdated thinking is stagnating our growth.
– To a degree in lower-level management, not in development of senior leadership.
– The playing field is improving as more women move into management positions, but we won’t see any semblance of “level field” until Millenial females are in management roles.
– No. Until the playing field and the compensation is even in ALL industries the answer is no.
– No. Not just radio.
-No, but I am hopeful that the next generation of radio executives will not only consist of more women, but also do a much better job of hiring and retaining female talent.
-Complicated question and answer. I will say that I think the playing field gets adjusted to less than 100% for women but the blame does not fall only on the men making the decisions. Women take themselves out of the game and if there isn’t anyone there pushing and supporting them they won’t believe they can advance. I have seen leaders that are just afraid to take a risk and end up going with their perception of “tried and true” candidate, which happens to be a man. At the same time, some of the best advocates of women advancing that I have worked with over the years were men. I don’t think we get paid as much..however. I know that as a fact and made sure to change that for myself and others where I can.
– I think there are some inherent aspects of business that make it more difficult for women to advance. I also think there is some lack of fairness in thinking when it comes to advancing women in the workforce. It’s a bit of a cycle when these things result in fewer women in advanced positions. So, I guess given that, no…it isn’t a 100% fair playing field for women in radio.
– No.
– Not historically, but I think the time has come where its understood that men and women are different–we lead differently and think differently. But one things for sure, we both absolutely can attain the same ratings and revenue excellence to succeed for ourselves, and for our companies.
Question #2 – Has radio done a good job of promoting women into management and leadership positions?
– Not 100%, especially in programming leadership advancement for women. That said-advancement opportunities are better than they have ever been for women AND for men, as delivery of results has largely replaced ‘the old boys network’. There is an opportunity-a record number of women in highest-level positions in many companies. That’s exciting and inspiring.
– No. Media overall is a bastion of middle age, predominantly white, men in leadership positions.
– Yes and No. There are great stories of women growing through sales leadership. The next steps are challenging. However, a lot depends on the open mindedness of top executives. We still have a lot of work to do. Diversity and inclusion isn’t just about gender. Unconscious bias should be discussed and continually worked on so that each organization is fully inclusive. Having input from employees of all backgrounds gives businesses and clients better ideas and understanding from a true diversified perspective.
– Yes, I think a few companies have, however, there is a long way to go.
– I think we have done a good job promoting women into middle management positions. When it comes to senior executive leadership, not so much.
– Yes in some ways. There’s a lot of good evidence of it.
– Somewhat. It is still very much a boys club. That said, the MIW list show that there has been some change.
– Not historically, but not many companies can claim that either. Now I think it’s instead of “may the best man win” it’s “may the best human win”.
– No. If you look at the number of senior managers that are women within this industry the answer is undisputable NO. Has it improved, Yes. We have a long way to go.
– No, but it is getting better. I work for a company that has women in the most senior positions within the Company and I am proud of that and the job that they are doing. Again, we still have a long way to go.
– The facts are, there are very few women in the Market Manager chair. There’s typically only one woman in each market. Considering the workforce is 50% women, I’d say that’s a poor job.
