American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT) records
Collection
0015-MMC-LAB
American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT) is a nonprofit organization for women in the broadcasting industries. AWRT was founded in 1951 in response to the National Association of Broadcasters' decision to dissolve its women's division. The organization's mission is to "advance the impact of women in broadcasting and related fields." They also support educational programs, scholarships, do charity work, and other public service activities. The organization changed its name to the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) in 2010.
The AWRT records, which span the years 1947 to 1999, mainly document its yearly national conventions.
This collection is open for research use.
This collection is open to the public and must be used in the Special Collections reading room. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection.
15.50 Linear Feet
The American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT) Records consist of clippings, scrapbooks, convention programs, photos, booklets, manuals, correspondence, media, scripts, membership directories, press releases, minutes of meetings, and other materials. The collection spans the dates 1947 through 1999.
The organization American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT) was formed in 1951 as a response to the National Association of Broadcasters' (NAB) decision to dissolve its women's division, the Association of Women Broadcasters. Edythe Meserand served as AWRT's first president.
With a stated mission to "advance the impact of women in the electronic media and allied fields by educating, advocating, and acting as a resource to our members and the industry," AWRT, has over 30 regional chapters throughout the country.
Along with serving as an advocate for women in the broadcasting and cable industries, AWRT also provides job information services, professional development programs and works to provide networking opportunities for its members.
Since 1953, AWRT has staged a yearly national convention consisting of workshops, panel discussions and other events for its members. The AWRT has also over the years administered various awards including for many years the Silver Satellite Award for career achievement. Previous recipients have included Betty White, Marlo Thomas, Bob Hope, Marlene Sanders, and Mary Tyler Moore, among others.
In 1960, AWRT formed its Educational Foundation, the first broadcasting organization to ever do so. The Foundation sponsors educational programs, charitable activities, and scholarships. Its stated purpose is to "Use the media to create change through charitable, educational, and literary initiatives." Since 1975, the Foundation has presented its annual Gracie Allen Awards. The "Gracies" were created to recognize "positive and realistic portrayal of women in entertainment, commercials, news, features and other programs."
American Women in Radio and Television's headquarters is located in McLean, Virginia.
The records are arranged into fourteen series.
The American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT) Records were donated to the Library of American Broadcasting by AWRT in 1989. The donation was overseen by AWRT's executive director at the time Terri Dickerson, and by Vi Shields also of AWRT.
Part of the Special Collections and University Archives