Survey: Women's Best Management Ops Exist In Sales

Each year, the Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) Group compile and analyze the number of women in radio broadcasting who are rising to the ranks of management. Data gathered for their annual MIW Group Gender Analysis Study specifically tracks the progress of female professionals holding General Manager, Sales Manager and Program Director positions.

The figures and percentages shown below represent the calendar year 2018 and are reflective of 11,225 AM and FM radio stations across America, as accounted for by PrecisionTrak as of December 31, 2018.

• General Managers: 19.05% (2,081 stations) had women holding the General Manager position in 2018.  This is an increase of almost a total percentage point from 2017, which was 18.1%. Notably, this number continues to show consistent growth from 2004, when the percentage of female general managers was only 14.9%.  In the top 100 markets, the number of women serving as General Managers continues to run slightly higher than the national average and most importantly shows growth year-over-year.  In 2018, 19.2% (662 stations) in these larger markets were managed by women, which compares to 18.5% in 2017.

• Sales Managers: Overall, the best management opportunities for women in radio continue to be in sales management.  32.6% (3,481 stations) had a woman sales manager in 2018, and that number is up slightly from 31.9% in 2017.

• Program Directors: The greatest challenge for women in radio management continues to be in the area of Program Director. Women currently program only 10.6% (1,139 stations) and that percentage has basically remained flat for the last twelve years.  In the top 100 markets, the news is better as female programmers represent 11.4% of the total number of Program Directors; however, and significantly, this number is down from last year.           

MIW Group Spokeswoman, Denyse Mesnik says, “This meaningful annual exercise reminds us why we volunteer our time, and share our expertise, with other women in radio. The MIW Group is committed to encouraging growth, and honing careers, so that the road to management will be more easily attainable by women dedicated to our profession. Although 2018 numbers reflect some growth, there is still work to be done.”