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Welcome to Advanced TV Herstory, the podcast that connects the dots of TV & feminism and American politics & culture. We tell the stories of women in TV who have had a profound impact on the confidence and aspirations of generations of girls and women.

We highlight the pioneering journalists, talented actresses, and gutsy writers who challenged societal norms and provide historical context for their achievements within the cultural and political trends of the time. By exploring the past, we ensure that the struggles, triumphs, and milestones of these women are not lost to history.

Hosted and produced by television scholar Cynthia Bemis Abrams, Advanced TV Herstory is more than just a podcast. It is a research-based examination of the evolution of television and women in our society. Each episode is an opportunity to inspire listeners to believe in themselves, challenge norms, break barriers, and shape the future of television and our world.

Learn more and subscribe to our newsletter at www.tvherstory.com/.

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  2. Cable TV's Viewers, Growth and Women's Stories - Part 1

Cable TV's Viewers, Growth and Women's Stories - Part 1

May 1, 2019

In this episode of Advanced TV Herstory, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams examines how cable TV disrupted traditional broadcasting, creating new opportunities for women’s stories. Joined by Dr. Amanda Lotz and Emily L. Newman, the conversation dives into the economics of cable, the rise of niche programming, and the industry’s shift to serve specific audiences.

Discover how cable provided platforms for female-led narratives, from Mary Tyler Moore to Cagney & Lacey and Grey’s Anatomy. Learn how women in the industry seized these opportunities to reshape media and why it’s crucial to support women’s art and stories in today’s evolving media landscape.

Podcast Episode Plot Summary

Cable TV revolutionized the media industry by introducing niche programming, breaking the dominance of the "big three" networks, and reshaping how audiences consumed content. In this episode, Cynthia Bemis Abrams is joined by Dr. Amanda Lotz and Emily L. Newman to explore the financial, cultural, and creative implications of this shift.

The discussion includes how cable networks like Lifetime and Oxygen targeted women’s audiences, how mergers and distribution shaped the industry, and the power of female-led narratives to inspire change. This episode celebrates the resilience and creativity of women in TV, who transformed obstacles into groundbreaking opportunities.
 
Episode Life Lessons
  • Disruption creates opportunity: Cable TV broke barriers, providing space for underrepresented stories.
  • Representation thrives with intentional platforms: Women’s stories flourished on networks like Lifetime and Oxygen.
  • Supporting women’s art matters: Honoring and consuming female-led narratives fosters cultural and societal progress.
 
Episode Resources
  • Referenced Shows and Networks:

    • Mary Tyler Moore
    • Cagney & Lacey
    • Grey’s Anatomy
    • Lifetime Television for Women
  • Related Episodes:

Part II:  Cable TV's: Women's Programming and the Business of Media - (5.8) 5/5 
Part III:  Eating Disorders on TV:  Made-for-TV Movies and Women's Stories (5.8) - 5/9/19 
Part IV:  The Evolution of Cable TV: From Reruns To Women’s Stories = (5.9) - 5/13/19 

Watch this episode on YouTube: