Media for Women: Do We Want It? |
Greenstone Media was founded by Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda, and other women. This radio network was dedicated to putting the voice of women on the air and providing talk radio that women wanted. Of the 11,000 radio stations in the U.S.A., few have female program directors. Women are leaving radio in droves, and Greenstone Media was created to fill the space that was the sound women wanted.
Sadly, on August 17, 2007, Greenstone ceased broadcasting. Less than two years since first airing, they closed up shop and moved on. Only 10 mid-sized markets carried their programming. They were available online, but not enough of us listened. Even with the strength and promise of experienced broadcasting professionals behind them, they couldn't make this idea fly. Their programs won broadcasting awards. They provided unique and high-quality broadcasting. Yet women didn't tune in enough.
I bet many of you are thinking "Gee, I've never even heard about them." And I'm not surprised. In a time when the biggest names dominate every industry, it's hard to get started. Lots of people don't want to support an independent voice, be it a retailer or restaurateur, radio broadcaster or, dare I say it, magazine publisher. We are so inundated with the mass-marketed that we forget to look for the fresh among us. We shop at big-box stores more than local shops. We eat a big chain restaurants instead of local eateries. We're gobbling up satellite radio because we think it gives us choice.
And we still complain that we are underrepresented, that we're being spoon-fed garbage we're not really interested in, and that nothing changes. But aren't we, the consumers, the ones who can support change? It takes time and effort to seek out independent voices. Independents generally have a narrow focus -- not trying to accommodate the masses, they want to target a smaller population. You might be that population!
The radio personalities from Greenstone Media will likely land on their feet in other markets and continue their careers. I wonder if they will feel they have to compromise in order to do so. If radio stations were not ready to pick up their programming as it was, what will they have to do to have a successful career in broadcasting? What aren't we supporting?
If you're interested, there are podcasts still available on Greenstone's website. You can hear the archives of what was broadcast there. If you like what you hear or like the concept behind it, read the blog and find out who you can contact to get your voice heard.
If we really want things to change, we can't sit back and wait for it to happen. We have to be heard. Greenstone may be gone, but that doesn't mean something bigger and better can't take its place. Speak up and let it be known that you want to hear more women in this world. We have something to say. Don't we?
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Trudi Evans |
| About the author: |
| Trudi Evans is the publisher of As We Are Magazine and an active member of the board of directors for the Eating Disorders Action Group. Her interests range from politics and writing to environmentalism and mixed-berry cobblers. She resides in Nova Scotia with her spouse Rob, their son Sam, and Sam’s cat Hero. |
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