The History of Women in Media.
In 1971, the Baton Rouge chapter was chartered by the national organization American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT). The organization was affectionately referred to by members as “Awort.” The national organization had strict bylaws, including that members had to be directly involved in media, and membership had to be reviewed and approved by the national office. At the time, according to the bylaws, 90% of the dues went to the national organization.
Because of rising national dues and lack of funds spent to foster the local media industry and community, the Baton Rouge chapter decided to drop its AWRT national affiliation in 1990 and form a separate, local organization. Women in Media was born.
Women in Media is an organization of media professionals based on the same principals as AWRT, but with more inclusive membership guidelines. Since its inception, Women in Media has been able to keep all funds raised and use them to support our Baton Rouge community and students studying media at local universities.
Benefits of Women in Media membership include affiliating with a professional, industry organization, access to programing that fuels its members personally and professionally, and valuable networking opportunities.
Women in Media connects you to local experts who work in print, broadcast and social media and those who work with media professionals in their careers. At the meetings, you can hear local, regional and national speakers and industry experts cover top trends in media, marketing, business etiquette, creative inspiration and so much more.
Awards & Recognition
The organization holds an annual Awards of Excellence luncheon, which honors our professional peers. The Jean Wheeler Scholarship is a $1,000 stipend awarded annually to a woman who is a senior in college studying journalism/mass communication, theater, or a related media field. The Wilda Kovacs Award was created to recognize a Women in Media member who has contributed to the community both personally and professionally. The Wanda Horn Award is a lifetime achievement award presented to a Women in Media member who has had an exceptional career in media.
Philanthropy
Women in Media’s annual Attire for Hire clothing collection benefits organizations who provide interview- and work-appropriate attire for women entering or re-entering the workforce.
The Women in Media board is a dedicated team working toward one goal: to further the interest and success of the membership of Women in Media.
Who, What, When & Where on WIM
WHO
Women in Media is a professional women’s organization with membership consisting of a diverse group of women in all facets of Baton Rouge media business including radio, television, marketing, public relations and promotions.
WHAT
One of the most valuable benefits of Women in Media is networking with other professional women in the Baton Rouge area. The second is learning and sharing information that affects our industry as well as our individual careers of women working in – or with – local media.
WHEN
Women in Media holds luncheon meetings on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. Non-members of the general public are welcome to attend. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m., and the luncheon begins promptly at noon. Regular luncheons include local, regional or national speakers or experts in various subjects.
WHY
Women in Media connects you to local women who work in print, broadcast and social media and those who work with media professionals in their careers. At the meetings, you can hear local, regional and national speakers and industry experts cover top trends in media, journalism, marketing, business etiquette, creative inspiration and so much more.
Benefits of Women In Media membership include affiliation with a professional organization that presents programs that promote its members personally and professionally, and networking. The WIM board is a close-knit team working toward one goal, to further the interest and success of the membership of Women in Media.