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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: Women's Programming and Media Business - Part 2

Cable TV: Women's Programming and Media Business - Part 2

May 5, 2019

Podcast Episode Description
 
In this episode of Advanced TV Herstory, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams explores the evolution of cable TV and its pivotal role in elevating women’s voices on screen. Joined by media scholars Dr. Amanda Lotz and Emily L. Newman, the discussion highlights the birth of cable channels like Lifetime, Hallmark, OWN, and Oxygen—spaces dedicated to telling women’s stories.

They delve into the business side of cable, examining how bundled services, programming needs, and financial models influenced the creation of female-focused networks. From Oprah Winfrey’s OWN to the Hallmark Channel, discover how money, mergers, and marketing shaped the media landscape for women.

Podcast Episode Plot Summary
 
The media landscape was forever changed by the rise of cable TV, which provided new opportunities to create content for and about women. In this episode, Cynthia Bemis Abrams, Dr. Amanda Lotz, and Emily L. Newman discuss how networks like Lifetime and OWN became cultural staples, offering everything from independent productions to syndicated reruns.

The conversation explores the financial underpinnings of cable TV, from bundled subscriptions to programming demands, and how they created dedicated platforms for women’s stories. This deep dive reveals the intersection of business, culture, and representation in cable programming.
 
Episode Life Lessons
  • Media innovation often stems from financial opportunity: Cable TV’s rise was fueled by the need for content, and women’s stories became a profitable niche.
  • Representation grows through dedicated spaces: Networks like Lifetime and OWN proved the power of carving out spaces for underrepresented voices.
  • Understanding media’s business side helps consumers navigate its impact: Being informed about the economics of programming enhances our appreciation for diverse storytelling.

Episode Resources
  • Referenced Networks:

    • Lifetime Television for Women
    • Hallmark Channel
    • Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN)
    • Oxygen
  • Related Episodes:

    Part I:  Gamechanger: Cable TV's Viewers, Growth and Women's Stories - (5.6) - 5/1/19 
    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 
  • Guest Resources:

  • YouTube Version: