IAWRT in new book ‘Trailblazing Women of Australian Public Broadcasting’

The new book ‘Trailblazing Women of Australian Public Broadcasting’by Dr. Kylie Andrews offers a compelling new perspective of Australian radio and television history. It 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. Kay Kinane, Catherine King, Therése Denny and Joyce Belfrage were ambitious and resourceful producers, part of the vanguard of Australian broadcasters who used mass media as a vehicle for their social and political activism.

This book traces their careers as they crossed borders and crossed mediums, following them as they worked on location shoots and in production offices, in television studios, control rooms and radio booths. In doing so it highlights the barriers, both official and unofficial, that confronted so many women working in broadcasting in the decades after World War II.

The book mentions the IAWRT and its origins and importance to women broadcasters. One of the women featured Catherine King, was a foundational member.

It is now available in hardcover and e-book.

Dr. Kylie Andrews is a Historians and Sessional Academic at the University of Technology, Sydney.

Testimonials about the book:

‘This is an important, overdue ‘remembering’ of women’s role in the creation of the ABC – an entertaining read to set the historical (‘herstorical’) record straight – with startling insights into the

good old days when the boys ‘owned the game’. It’s an eye-opener for younger program-makers to meet the feisty women who paved the way for them.’ – Caroline Jones AO, Veteran ABC broadcaster and national patron of Women in Media

‘This compelling and impeccably researched book uncovers the story of four colourful individuals, Joyce Belfrage, Therése Denny, Kay Kinane and Catherine King, and their outstanding contribution to Australian, and transnational, broadcasting. Andrews brings their careers and achievements to life, highlighting how they battled a culture largely unsupportive of working women.’ – Dr Kate Murphy, Visiting Fellow, Faculty of Media and Communication, Bournemouth University

‘A lively, impressively researched, and informative look at barriers faced, and battles won, by a select group of talented female producers at the ABC and beyond – battles won not only for themselves, but for the status of all women who have confronted the same attitudes and obstacles. An inspiring read.’ – Michele Hilmes, Professor Emerita, University of Wisconsin-Madison

‘Kylie Andrews’ fascinating book is a tour-de-force of feminist scholarship and media history. In rescuing the pioneering women of radio and television from the footnotes of history, it offers us not just a vivid panorama of highly talented programme-makers but an endlessly illuminating new take on post-war Australian broadcasting.’ – David Hendy, Emeritus Professor, University of Sussex, BBC Historian

Further Information:

https://anthempress.com/trailblazing-women-of-australian-public-broadcasting-1945-1975-hb

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