Newly minted head of the ABC Michelle Guthrie has been named as the most influential woman in the radio space.
NOVA Entertainment’s CEO Cathy O’Connor was named second and on-air talent Jackie Henderson – one half of KIISFM’s Kyle & Jackie O show – was in third place.
The annual list was created by radio experts Radio Today, and features who the team believes are the top 25 most influential women in radio currently. There was a relatively even mix of both behind-the-scenes and on-air talent, and among the different networks.
“These women influence the airwaves and the business of radio,” said Radio Today.
“They contribute to contemporary culture, influence society’s views, standards, and opinions and importantly they help shape the future of the Australian radio industry.
“All of the Top 25 women have considerable power with listeners, advertisers and within their companies, some command sizable salaries and most live and breathe the radio business.”
Managing director of Illyria, owner of NOVA Entertainment’s NOVA and smoothfm networks, Siobhan McKenna, was named fourth most influential behind Henderson.
Joan Warner, CEO of industry body Commercial Radio Australia, was placed into sixth position, with NOVA’s chief operating officer Louise Higgins in seventh.
HIT content director from Southern Cross Austereo, Gemma Fordham, snagged ninth place, with ARN Melbourne group content director Sam Thompson in 12th place.
In terms of on-air talent who made the cut, Jackie Henderson was the most influential on-air persona, followed by Amanda Keller, Robin Bailey, Kate Langbroek, Fifi Box, Kate Richie, Chrissie Swan, Jo Stanley, Fran Kelly, Wendy Harmer, Meshel Laurie.
On her position in third place, Henderson said: “It’s a great surprise and always nice to be recognised for the work you do. There are a lot of great women on that list, including from ARN, it just shows the depth of talent and strength of our industry.”
