Industry News

Meg Dowdy is 2023 Elevating Women in Audio Mentee

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc announces that Meg Dowdy is the recipient of the 2023 Elevating Women in Audio Mentorship program. The ‘Elevating Women in Audio: MIW & Luminate Mentorship’ program is a year-long experience that provides greater opportunities for women interested in managementRadio Ink - Radio station positions in audio, and involves personalized conversations with a vast network of high-level radio executives and experts to help advance a career within the radio/audio industry. Dowdy is a regional content director who works with nine Townsquare Media markets in the Southeastern United States. During her career she’s also been a morning show co-host, award-winning news reporter, brand manager, promotions director, and midday host. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff says, “This year we had more applicants and more high-quality applicants than ever before. Meg’s dedication to her future, to the business and to paying her success forward was very impressive. We can’t wait to start working with her.”

Industry News

MIW Releases 2022 Gender Analysis Study

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. reveals the results of the 2022 edition of its MIW Gender Analysis Study that compiles and analyzes the number of women in radio broadcasting who are rising to the ranks of management, either as general manager, sales manager or program director/brand manager.  MIW says the results represent the calendar year 2022 and are reflective of 11,215 AM and FM radio stations across America, as accounted for by PrecisionTrak. Regarding general managers, 20.65% had womenLogo - Graphics holding the GM position in 2022. This is basically flat from last year but has shown consistent growth from 2004, when the percentage of female general managers was only 14.9%. MIW calls the sales manager position “the best management opportunity for women in radio.” Last year, 33.45% of stations had a woman sales manager (basically flat from 33.59% in 2021). The greatest challenge for women in radio management continues to be in the area of program directors/brand managers, according to MIW. Women currently program 11.72% of stations, versus 12.09% in 2021. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff comments, “Historically we have celebrated modest to very modest gains. But this year we’re calling out to industry leaders to recognize the leadership, creativity and dedication of women broadcasters, particularly programmers, and put them to work improving your content, your culture and your cash flow.” MIW points out that a study conducted in late 2022 by The WICT Network, Empowering Women in Media, Entertainment and Technology indicates that women working in the media, entertainment and tech industries have increased over the past few years from 33% in 2019 to 38% in 2022. “It is the hope that the radio industry will better begin to mirror the continued growth of women in the general media space and provide an encouraging future for women in radio.”

Sales

Pending Business: You Only Know What You Know

By Steve Lapa
Lapcom Communications Corp
President

 

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — That’s what happens when most of your sales or management life is spent at one station or in one market.

On the one hand, you know your station and market inside out. You are the tour guide who can navigate the advertiser through every fork in the road. You are proud of your station’s heritage and conversant with the demographics, psychographics, and socioeconomic profile of the population that resides in your coverage area. Rates, packages, program lineups, and historical revenue figures are at the tip of your tongue. Any out of the ordinary question is answered with a fast access, “Let me get back to you.” All are important traits that are critical components for top sellers and managers.

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