MIW Study: Women Gain in GM, Programming Roles

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 3:07pm CT

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW)

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) has released its 25th Annual Gender Analysis Study, charting the progress of women in radio management roles across the U.S.

The long-running study, compiled from raw data collected by PrecisionTrak, tracks women serving as General Managers, Sales Managers, and Program Directors & Brand Managers at commercial AM and FM stations. The 2025 report reflects 11,215 U.S.-based stations as of December 31, 2025.

General Managers

Women held 22.07% of General Manager positions in 2025, representing 2,366 stations. That marks a slight increase from 21.67% in 2024 and a significant gain from 2004, when women accounted for 14.9% of GMs.

In the Top 100 markets, women managed 24.09% of stations (784 stations), nearly five percentage points higher than in 2024 and above the national average.

Sales Managers

Sales continues to represent the strongest management category for women. In 2025, 35.31% of stations (3,561) had a female Sales Manager, essentially flat compared to 35.67% in 2024.

In the Top 100 markets, women held 37.61% of Sales Manager roles (1,156 stations), still outpacing the national average but down from 42.94% the previous year.

Program Directors/Brand Managers

Programming remains the most challenging management track for women. Female Program Directors/Brand Managers accounted for 13.02% (289 stations) in 2025, up slightly from 12.38% in 2024.

In the Top 100 markets, however, women made more notable gains, rising to 15.25% of programming roles, compared to 11.23% in 2024.

"Twenty-five years of data give us clarity," said MIW Board President Sheila Kirby. "We are encouraged to see movement in General Manager and Programming roles, particularly within the Top 100 markets. At the same time, flat growth in sales leadership and the continued under-representation of women in programming nationally remind us that progress is not automatic. Sustainable advancement requires intention. MIW remains committed to mentoring, advocating, and creating pathways for women to lead at every level of the industry."

MIW noted that all figures are based on PrecisionTrak data and are subject to the accuracy and completeness of information provided by radio companies as of December 31, 2025.