Smaller market broadcasting is catching up to major markets when it comes to quality programs highlighting women`s issues, indicate awards to be presented Tuesday by the American Women in Radio and Television.
”There are always going to be 20 or 30 program (big market) entries that bring tears and bring cheers,” says organization spokeswoman Rebecca Trachtman. ”What`s so thrilling this year is that a number of the winners are from smaller markets.”
Two radio examples: A Kalamazoo, Mich., radio program exploring the pioneer women of that state, and a program by Madison, Wis., radio station WTSO examining the plight of women in a county jail.
In the television competition, Chicago news anchor Mary Laney, of WMAQ-TV Channel 5, NBC, will receive a citation for a commentary blasting alleged sexism at City Hall. Colleen Callahan, of Downstate Peoria`s WMBD-TV Channel 31, a CBS affiliate, is the only other Illinois winner. Callahan, a reporter and farm director for the station, produced a program entitled, ”Farm Wife Financiers.”
The 2,000-member organization has selected 19 winners from more than 300 entries that were judged on content and technical excellence, Trachtman says. It`s the 13th annual presentation by the non-profit, Washington D.C.-based group, which works to advance the impact of women in radio and television and allied fields.
NBC`s ”A Year in the Life,” will get top honors for best television entertainment program for an episode examining a woman`s decision to accept marriage as the only conclusion to a successful love relationship.
Among the other winners: ABC`s Afterschool Special, ”Supermom`s Daughter,” starring Barbara Bosson as a success-driving, high-powered television reporter who wants her daughter to pursue a career in science, for best children`s program; and ABC`s ”20/20,” with anchors Barbara Walters and Hugh Downs for a segment reported by Tom Jarriel on the brutalization of a handicapped Florida woman.
Jane Pauley, coanchor of NBC`s ”Today” program, will present the awards at a luncheon in New York.
