 American Women in Radio & Television - Non-profit
professional organization and
feminist advocacy group designed to better the salaries and power base of women in the
radio, television and cable. The AWRT was formed in 1951 when the National Association of
Broadcasters (NAB) discontinued its women's division, the Association
of Women Directors (AWD). AWRT's mission is to advance the impact of women in the electronic
media and allied fields by educating, advocating and acting as a
resource to its members and the industry. In 1960, AWRT became the
first professional broadcasting organization to establish an
educational foundation.
In 1975, the group presented its first awards to those groups
or individuals who represented a realistic positive portrayal of
women on radio and television.
A testimony to the groups possible influence might be Barbara
Walters who was the first newscaster in history (man or woman) to
receive an annual salary of one million dollars.
The AWRT also sponsors The Gracie Allen Awards (The Gracies),
named after comedian Gracie Allen, an early trailblazer for women in
radio and television. The Gracies strive to encourage the realistic
and faceted portrayal of women in entertainment, commercials, news,
features and other programs.
External Links
Back to Top
|
