It sure does.
the entire MediaWeek piece:
http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/news/tvstations/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003621912
Launching a new radio network is a tough proposition (just ask Air America Radio). Launching a new radio network targeting women with female-oriented Talk programming in a male-dominated industry is even tougher.
After two years of building a full slate of live, female-targeted Talk programming, GreenStone Media is preparing to discontinue operations effective Aug. 17. Only about eight affiliates cleared the programming in mostly mid-size and smaller markets, hardly enough to sustain the network.
“This is a longer and more expensive process than an independent programming company can shoulder in today’s turbulent marketplace,” said Susan Ness, president and CEO of Greenstone Media and former FCC Commissioner. “We’ve found growing interest in the radio marketplace
and on other platforms, but we can’t responsibly predict success in a future near enough to match our investors’ resources.”
The company, which produces and distributes 48 hours of programming, offers streaming on its Web site (www.greenstonemedia.com) and provides podcasts, is still hoping that some last-minute financing or partnership could come through.
Ironically, programming targeting female audiences is one of the most requested advertiser demographics, yet there are limited choices among traditional radio. ABC Radio Networks, which syndicates The Satellite Sisters, also abandoned its initiative to develop more female-oriented Talk. The network’s former director of women’s programming, Corny Koehl, left to join Oprah’s Harpo Productions, which produces a channel for XM Satellite Radio. Sirius Satellite Radio also offers a full slate of female-oriented Talk, headlined by Martha Stewart.
“We believed (and still believe) that women need a voice on commercial radio, and that radio needs women’s voices,” Ness said.
It sure does.
May I direct them to Laura Ingraham, Tammy Bruce, Dr. Joy Browne, Dr. Laura, Cooper Lawrence (even at 5 affiliates, she has more than Greenstone), Sally Jesse Raphael, Janet Parshall, the Satellite Sisters, the Oprah and Martha channels on XM and Sirius respectively, not to mention the numerous local shows and man/woman morning show teams across the country and the fact that most music stations (except for rock) aim at women as it is. There is no shortage of female influence in radio.