Soundwomen highlighted as 'marvellous industry partner' in Parliament

From a press release to news@media.info
Posted 4 December 2014, 9.31am gmt

MPs, Peers and radio industry figures gathered in Westminster yesterday to celebrate the third birthday of radio industry group, Soundwomen, which was founded in 2011 by Maria Williams to encourage, support and promote women in UK radio.

Hosted by MPs Andrew Bingham and Damian Green, the gathering included leading names from BBC and commercial radio, as well as Broadcasting Minister Ed Vaizey and parliamentarians from all the major political parties.

Opening the event, Damian Green MP (Chair of the BBC All Party Parliamentary Group) praised the “great work done by Soundwomen in its first three years” before handing over to Soundwomen patron, Jane Garvey. Jane, who was accompanied by fellow patron Annie Nightingale, reminded guests that “there still aren’t enough female voices on radio” adding that “if you only ever hear male voices, you only hear the male experience, and that’s only half the story”.

Helen Boaden, Director of BBC Radio announced that “BBC Local Radio is on track to achieve its ambition of having 50% of its breakfast shows presented or co-presented by women” and said that “Soundwomen has been a marvellous partner for the BBC and the rest of the radio industry”.

Siobhan Kenny, CEO of RadioCentre, spoke of her determination to ensure greater diversity in commercial radio saying that “businesses are seeing that it’s an absolute no-brainer to have a workforce that mirrors the population, particularly in the creative industries” and thanking Soundwomen for “leading the way in raising awareness of gender issues in the workplace”.

Guests enjoyed stunning views of the river Thames as well as a light lunch and birthday cake.