Move Over Media Men – Time’s Up to Make Way for Women
By Kim Christensen
Over the last four years, the #MeToo movement has jolted the media industry, setting off a seismic reckoning by exposing sexual harassment, violence, and discrimination that have gone on far too long. Calls to smash the casting couch, dismantle patriarchy, diversify the industry and generally clean house rang out from coast to coast. What has been accomplished so far? Turns out quite a lot!
This industry shake up has cracked open new opportunities for women and people of color in media. Corporate media CEOs are finally getting the message that management must change and the same old boys club won’t cut it. New slots have suddenly opened up for women, thanks to brave whistleblowers and activists protesting and demanding change. Women are grabbing new opportunities to show their talent at the anchor desk, behind the camera, on production teams, as showrunners, in writers’ rooms, executive suites, starring roles, and even in late night comedy.
Here are just a few of the amazing new shows by talented women who have made a media splash in recent years. Make a point to watch and signal boost these women and their phenomenal shows to keep the good momentum going. The feminist future looks bright with these talented women on the scene, but they are going to need back up with loud and enthusiastic audiences demanding more, more more progress in media. For now, take a feminist victory lap and enjoy!
Shows by Women Changing the Media Landscape – from News to Comedy to Late Night
The Amber Ruffin Show on Peacock
Robin Thede’s A Black Lady Sketch Show on HBO
Issa Rae’s Insecure on HBO
Shrill on Hulu, created by Lindy West and Aidy Bryant
Rebel on ABC, inspired by life of Erin Brokovitch
Queen Sugar on OWN by Ava DuVernay and Oprah Winfrey
Joy Reid’s The Reidout on MSNBC
American Voices with Alicia Menendez on MSNBC
Tiffany Cross, the Cross Connection on MSNBC
Abby Phillip’s Inside Politics on CNN
Zerlina Maxwell’s Zerlina. The Choice on Peacock TV
Big executive moves have been made at major networks, bringing fresh perspectives and power players into position. Kim Godwin was hired to become President of ABC News this month, while Rashida Jones became the new President of MSNBC News last year, leading to a bunch of fresh faces, perspectives and shows on the air. And in a real sign of the changing times, #MeToo movement founder Tarana Burke has landed a development deal with CBS Studios to tell stories of underrepresented voices!
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