Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. released its data analyzing the number of women rising to management roles within the radio industry. The study tracks women holding General Manager, Sales Manager, and Program Director/Brand Manager positions based on raw data collected by <a href=”https://precisiontrak.com”>PrecisionTrak</a> from 11,215 commercial AM and FM radio stations as of December 31, 2025.
Women held 22.07 percent of General Manager positions nationally in 2025, a slight increase from 21.67 percent last year and a solid growth compared to 14.9 percent in 2004. In the Top 100 markets, 24.09 percent of stations were managed by women, an increase of almost 5 percent from 2024.
The best management opportunities for women in radio continue to be in sales management, with 35.31 percent of stations having a woman Sales Manager in 2025, basically flat from 35.67 percent in 2024. In the Top 100 markets, female Sales Managers accounted for 37.61 percent, which is ahead of the national average but a decline from 42.94 percent in 2024.
The greatest challenge for women in radio management continues to be in programming. Women currently program 13.02 percent of stations, a slight gain from 12.38 percent in 2024. In the Top 100 markets, female Program Directors/Brand Managers represent 15.25 percent, a major increase from 11.23 percent the prior year.
“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 underrepresentation 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.”