Trailblazing Women of Australian Public Broadcasting, 1945-1975

Trailblazing women of Australian Public Broadcasting, 1945 – 1975 chronicles how a group of female producers defied the odds and forged remarkable careers in the traditionally male domain of public-affairs production at the ABC in the post-war decades. They wrote, directed and produced ground-breaking documentaries and current affairs programs that celebrated Australian life, while also challenging its cultural complacency, racism and sexism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 05 July 2022
Publisher: Anthem Press

Trailblazing women of Australian Public Broadcasting,1945 – 1975, presents a fresh and captivating insight into the history of Australian radio and television. It chronicles the remarkable journeys of a group of female producers who defied societal expectations and achieved remarkable success in the traditionally male-dominated field of public-affairs production at the ABC during the post-war decades. Kay Kinane, Catherine King, Therése Denny, and Joyce Belfrage were ambitious and resourceful individuals who played pivotal roles as members of theanguard of Australian broadcasters. They utilized the power of mass media to advocate for social and political causes, challenging cultural complacency, racism, and sexism. These fierce advocates for their audiences dedicated themselves to creating groundbreaking documentaries and current affairs programs that celebrated Australian culture while also interrogating its shortcomings. They actively engaged with the ABC's extensive network of collaborations, initiating various strategies to enhance their agency and authority. Through vivid descriptions of their experiences at the ABC, this book follows the careers of these trailblazing women as they traversed borders and mediums, documenting their work on location shoots, in production offices, television studios, control rooms, and radio booths. In doing so, it sheds light on the numerous barriers, both official and unofficial, that confronted women in broadcasting following World War II.

These remarkable women not only broke down barriers but also paved the way for future generations of broadcasters. Their contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry, inspiring and empowering women to pursue their dreams and achieve greatness in the field of media. Trailblazing women of Australian Public Broadcasting, 1945 – 1975, is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence, and serves as a reminder of the significant impact that women can have on shaping the narrative of our nation's history.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 153 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839982576