Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) released its 25th Annual Gender Analysis Study, showing modest gains for women in U.S. radio management roles in 2025, particularly in General Manager and programming positions in major markets, while sales leadership stayed flat and programming remains the toughest area nationally.
The study, based on PrecisionTrak data from 11,215 commercial AM and FM stations as of December 31, 2025, tracks women in three key roles: General Managers, Sales Managers, and Program Directors/Brand Managers.
General Managers: Women held 22.07% of GM positions nationally (2,366 stations), up slightly from 21.67% in 2024 and well above the 14.9% in 2004. In the Top 100 markets, the figure rose to 24.09% (784 stations), nearly five points higher than in 2024 and above the national average.\
General Managers: Women held 22.07% of GM positions nationally (2,366 stations), up slightly from 21.67% in 2024 and well above the 14.9% in 2004. In the Top 100 markets, the figure rose to 24.09% (784 stations), nearly five points higher than in 2024 and above the national average.\
Sales Managers: Continues to lead for women, with 35.31% of stations (3,561) having a female Sales Manager—virtually unchanged from 35.67% in 2024. In the Top 100 markets, women held 37.61% of these roles (1,156 stations), still above the national level but down from 42.94% the prior year.
Program Directors/Brand Managers: Programming showed the least representation overall, with women in 13.02% of roles (289 stations), a small increase from 12.38% in 2024. Gains were stronger in the Top 100 markets, where the share rose to 15.25% from 11.23% in 2024.
"Twenty-five years of data give us clarity," said MIW Board President Sheila Kirby. "We are encouraged to see movement in General Manager and Programming roles, particularly within the Top 100 markets. At the same time, flat growth in sales leadership and the continued under-representation of women in programming nationally remind us that progress is not automatic. Sustainable advancement requires intention. MIW remains committed to mentoring, advocating, and creating pathways for women to lead at every level of the industry."
"Twenty-five years of data give us clarity," said MIW Board President Sheila Kirby. "We are encouraged to see movement in General Manager and Programming roles, particularly within the Top 100 markets. At the same time, flat growth in sales leadership and the continued under-representation of women in programming nationally remind us that progress is not automatic. Sustainable advancement requires intention. MIW remains committed to mentoring, advocating, and creating pathways for women to lead at every level of the industry."