About Us

American Women in Radio and Television is a national, nonprofit organization that extends membership to qualified professionals in the electronic media and allied fields. 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. Founded in 1951, AWRT has worked to improve the quality of broadcast programming and the image of women as depicted in radio and television.

AWRT was founded in 1950 when the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) decided to discontinue its women's division, the Association of Women Broadcasters. The NAB Board voted approval of a new organization, offering complete cooperation and assistance until the new organization could work out the details of a separate operation. The following year, over 250 women gathered to approve the structure of the new organization that is now American Women in Radio and Television, Inc.

Our goals are to work to improve the quality of the electronic media. To promote the entry, development, and advancement of women in the electronic media and allied fields. To serve as a medium of communication and ideas exchange. To become involved in community concerns.

AWRT National is very active in political representation with the FCC and on Capitol Hill. In addition to political advocacy, AWRT National sponsors career training events, a national job bank, internships and publications, as well as insurance, discount and credit programs. AWRT's Annual National Convention offers extensive and substantive programming, featuring speakers at the top of their respective fields, as well as opportunities to network with fellow industry professionals from across the country. AWRT National also seeks to acknowledge programming by and about women via the annual Gracie Allen Awards, which recognize programming that portrays women in a positive and realistic way and addresses issues of concern to women. AWRT's Silver Satellite Gala, held in conjunction with the national convention, recognizes individual and group achievement in electronic media. Previous recipients of the Silver Satellite Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to the broadcast industry, include Geraldine Laybourne, Ted Turner, Walter Cronkite, Phil Donahue, and Barbara Walters. The Star Award, granted to individuals and companies that demonstrate a commitment to the issues and concerns of women, has been previously given to CNN, National Public Radio, BET, Carole Black, Anne Sweeney and Nina Totenberg.

The Southern California Chapter of AWRT offers numerous additional benefits to its members, including networking events, educational programs, community outreach, career counseling and occupational training. The chapter's annual Genii Awards celebrates the contributions of esteemed colleagues, and helps to fund AWRT SoCal student scholarships.