FACT # 1: According to 2005 census statistics, there are approximately 930,000 of us still managing to maintain a lifestyle in Erie County. Of that ever-dwindling number, 52% of the population are female.
 FACT # 2: Last Saturday, Buffalo activist and woman’s advocate Judy Einach (All Things Einach) broadcast her final local talk radio show on WHLD 1270 AM.
 Fact # 3: in the world of Western New York radio, there are 4 stations (WBEN, WKBW, WHLD and WLVL) dedicated to local talk. The on-air staff at those stations during prime time hours (Monday through Friday 9 am to 10 pm) is composed entirely of men. The only women’s voices heard on those stations during those hours are from a distance—long distance— as they are national broadcasters syndicated into our radio market. (As a footnote, with Einach’s departure there is only one Western New York Woman hosting a local radio talk show. Kathy Weppner broadcasts on WBEN, Saturdays from noon to 2 pm, and on occasion, she fills in for vacationing male hosts during the week.)       Â
 I offer these facts as foundation for the obvious conclusion that local talk radio is sadly lacking in women’s voices. Despite the wealth of local, talented women who could capably provide on-air talk, none of the current radio stations are actively interested in, or concerned about, giving us a voice.  Â
 Based on conversations with local radio management on this topic, it has been explained to me that there is one main factor influencing the situation—time. There are only so many time slots available. Further, current  programming offered in those slots is effectively attracting listeners and ratings.  All of which, as in any business, translates to a bottom line of money.     Â
Programming attracts listeners, listeners attract sponsors and sponsors provide programming dollars and radio station profits. As long as local radio execs and their conglomerate out-of-town owners enjoy in-the-black bottom lines, all is well in their world.   Â
The main problem with this local radio reality is that it goes against real world reality when you consider the following:Â
Ø     Ninety percent of married women identify themselves as the principal shopper in their household.
Ø Over 80 percent of women participate in the decision-making for purchases of vehicles, household appliances, television sets and kitchen/cooking appliances.Â
Ø Over 70 percent participate in the decision-making for purchases of audio equipment, tools and household furnishings.
Ø  Fifty percent are responsible for all business travel.
Ø More than 50 percent of women control of all this country’s personal wealth.   Â
Add the above statistics to the previously stated fact #1, and it becomes abundantly clear that women are the consumers that should be worshiped and adored by all advertisers. Â
  So I ask, how is it that women, we venerated controllers of the almighty dollar, are not more widely represented on local radio talk shows that discuss, debate, inform and entertain our community?Â
Further, why are we so willing to accept male voices and mindsets as our sole broadcast guiding lights?  Â
To be clear, I am in no way diminishing the talents of those who currently rule local talk show air waves. For the most part they are experienced broadcasters who ably fill the talk show bill. Rather, my point is that regardless of their expertise and capabilities, those select males don’t represent the majority of this community and they don’t represent the main market consumers. And, more directly, by virtue of their gender they cannot present a woman’s mindset or point of view.   Â
One of the most talented, intelligent and capable women of our generation has recently launched her own radio programming. Oprah Winfrey has aligned with Sirrus satellite radio to provide 7/24 talk radio. It is a move that reflects her innate entertainment instinct and, in time, will most likely manifest her excellent business acumen.   Â
Ms. O has organized a diverse collective as talk show ringmasters. They are acknowledged experts in their fields as a poet/author, an interior designer, a heart surgeon, an exercise physiologist, an author/lecturer, a financial specialist, a veteran television broadcaster and a psychologist. Â
Team O is also highly representative of their targeted listening audience in that 5 of the 8 broadcasters are women. When, on occasion, Ms. O joins the the balance, it becomes a striking two thirds majority female.   Â
While Oprah’s talk show project is unique in that listener’s subscribe to the Sirrus network, the bottom line is still about money and profits, both of which Oprah Winfrey has long produced in staggering sums.    Â
Which brings me to my point.     Â
Perhaps the time has come for Western New York women to take the lead by following the lead—Oprah’s lead.    Â
Why not create and promote a variety of talk shows for local broadcast, featuring Western New York women as hosts?    Â
Why not lobby local corporations and businesses to sponsor talk radio focused on women’s issues and concerns outside the tried, true and overdone topics of politics, terrorism, WNY’s dwindling population and the day’s latest headlines?Â
    Why not infuse local talk radio with some of the diverse brilliance regularly displayed by women who actually live in this community, work in this community and play in this community?Â
   And why not do it during drive time everyday?
    I believe that the women of Western New York have the strength and the power to make such local radio programming happen.  It’s just a matter of their joining together— and talking.
    Â
   Â
  Â
   Â
Â
