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Advanced TV Herstory - Cable TV's Viewers, Growth and Women's Stories - Part 1

Cable TV's Viewers, Growth and Women's Stories - Part 1

05/01/19 • 24 min

Advanced TV Herstory
In this episode of Advanced TV Herstory, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams examines how cable TV disrupted traditional broadcasting, creating new opportunities for women’s stories. Joined by Dr. Amanda Lotz and Emily L. Newman, the conversation dives into the economics of cable, the rise of niche programming, and the industry’s shift to serve specific audiences. Discover how cable provided platforms for female-led narratives, from Mary Tyler Moore to Cagney & Lacey and Grey’s Anatomy. Learn how women in the industry seized these opportunities to reshape media and why it’s crucial to support women’s art and stories in today’s evolving media landscape. Podcast Episode Plot Summary Cable TV revolutionized the media industry by introducing niche programming, breaking the dominance of the "big three" networks, and reshaping how audiences consumed content. In this episode, Cynthia Bemis Abrams is joined by Dr. Amanda Lotz and Emily L. Newman to explore the financial, cultural, and creative implications of this shift. The discussion includes how cable networks like Lifetime and Oxygen targeted women’s audiences, how mergers and distribution shaped the industry, and the power of female-led narratives to inspire change. This episode celebrates the resilience and creativity of women in TV, who transformed obstacles into groundbreaking opportunities. Episode Life Lessons
  • Disruption creates opportunity: Cable TV broke barriers, providing space for underrepresented stories.
  • Representation thrives with intentional platforms: Women’s stories flourished on networks like Lifetime and Oxygen.
  • Supporting women’s art matters: Honoring and consuming female-led narratives fosters cultural and societal progress.
Episode Resources
  • Referenced Shows and Networks:
    • Mary Tyler Moore
    • Cagney & Lacey
    • Grey’s Anatomy
    • Lifetime Television for Women
  • Related Episodes:

Part II: Cable TV's: Women's Programming and the Business of Media - (5.8) 5/5 Part III: Eating Disorders on TV: Made-for-TV Movies and Women's Stories (5.8) - 5/9/19 Part IV: The Evolution of Cable TV: From Reruns To Women’s Stories = (5.9) - 5/13/19

Watch this episode on YouTube:

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In this episode of Advanced TV Herstory, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams examines how cable TV disrupted traditional broadcasting, creating new opportunities for women’s stories. Joined by Dr. Amanda Lotz and Emily L. Newman, the conversation dives into the economics of cable, the rise of niche programming, and the industry’s shift to serve specific audiences. Discover how cable provided platforms for female-led narratives, from Mary Tyler Moore to Cagney & Lacey and Grey’s Anatomy. Learn how women in the industry seized these opportunities to reshape media and why it’s crucial to support women’s art and stories in today’s evolving media landscape. Podcast Episode Plot Summary Cable TV revolutionized the media industry by introducing niche programming, breaking the dominance of the "big three" networks, and reshaping how audiences consumed content. In this episode, Cynthia Bemis Abrams is joined by Dr. Amanda Lotz and Emily L. Newman to explore the financial, cultural, and creative implications of this shift. The discussion includes how cable networks like Lifetime and Oxygen targeted women’s audiences, how mergers and distribution shaped the industry, and the power of female-led narratives to inspire change. This episode celebrates the resilience and creativity of women in TV, who transformed obstacles into groundbreaking opportunities. Episode Life Lessons
  • Disruption creates opportunity: Cable TV broke barriers, providing space for underrepresented stories.
  • Representation thrives with intentional platforms: Women’s stories flourished on networks like Lifetime and Oxygen.
  • Supporting women’s art matters: Honoring and consuming female-led narratives fosters cultural and societal progress.
Episode Resources
  • Referenced Shows and Networks:
    • Mary Tyler Moore
    • Cagney & Lacey
    • Grey’s Anatomy
    • Lifetime Television for Women
  • Related Episodes:

Part II: Cable TV's: Women's Programming and the Business of Media - (5.8) 5/5 Part III: Eating Disorders on TV: Made-for-TV Movies and Women's Stories (5.8) - 5/9/19 Part IV: The Evolution of Cable TV: From Reruns To Women’s Stories = (5.9) - 5/13/19

Watch this episode on YouTube:

Previous Episode

undefined - Feminist Lessons from The Judy Garland Show: Part 5

Feminist Lessons from The Judy Garland Show: Part 5

In this final episode of the Advanced TV Herstory series on The Judy Garland Show, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams and Garland scholar Angela Ingersoll examine the feminist lessons from Judy Garland’s groundbreaking TV series. This episode delves into how Garland’s persistence, defiance, and storytelling offer modern insights into women’s roles in the entertainment industry. With reflections on her famous December 1963 performance of “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” dedicated to JFK, Cynthia and Angela highlight Garland’s enduring legacy and the sexism and challenges she faced. Discover how Judy’s fight for creative control, respect, and her heartfelt connection to her audience offer lasting lessons for women in media today.

Only in the last few years have we really come to know Hollywood's darkest secrets about ageism, racism, and sexism. From a feminist perspective, Judy's story feels in hindsight like a tough, tough lesson about show biz's cutthroat nature.

https://angelaingersoll.com/

Angela Ingersoll and Joey Luft, Mothers Day 2017 Show (YouTube) https://youtu.be/dZZzqGnDPdc

Coyne Steven Sanders (1990) The Judy Garland Show: Rainbow's End https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/coyne-steven-sanders-2/rainbows-end-the-judy-garland-show/

Next Episode

undefined - Cable TV: Women's Programming and Media Business - Part 2

Cable TV: Women's Programming and Media Business - Part 2

Podcast Episode Description In this episode of Advanced TV Herstory, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams explores the evolution of cable TV and its pivotal role in elevating women’s voices on screen. Joined by media scholars Dr. Amanda Lotz and Emily L. Newman, the discussion highlights the birth of cable channels like Lifetime, Hallmark, OWN, and Oxygen—spaces dedicated to telling women’s stories. They delve into the business side of cable, examining how bundled services, programming needs, and financial models influenced the creation of female-focused networks. From Oprah Winfrey’s OWN to the Hallmark Channel, discover how money, mergers, and marketing shaped the media landscape for women. Podcast Episode Plot Summary The media landscape was forever changed by the rise of cable TV, which provided new opportunities to create content for and about women. In this episode, Cynthia Bemis Abrams, Dr. Amanda Lotz, and Emily L. Newman discuss how networks like Lifetime and OWN became cultural staples, offering everything from independent productions to syndicated reruns. The conversation explores the financial underpinnings of cable TV, from bundled subscriptions to programming demands, and how they created dedicated platforms for women’s stories. This deep dive reveals the intersection of business, culture, and representation in cable programming. Episode Life Lessons

  • Media innovation often stems from financial opportunity: Cable TV’s rise was fueled by the need for content, and women’s stories became a profitable niche.
  • Representation grows through dedicated spaces: Networks like Lifetime and OWN proved the power of carving out spaces for underrepresented voices.
  • Understanding media’s business side helps consumers navigate its impact: Being informed about the economics of programming enhances our appreciation for diverse storytelling.
Episode Resources
  • Referenced Networks:
    • Lifetime Television for Women
    • Hallmark Channel
    • Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN)
    • Oxygen
  • Related Episodes: Part I: Gamechanger: Cable TV's Viewers, Growth and Women's Stories - (5.6) - 5/1/19 Part III: Eating Disorders on TV: Made-for-TV Movies and Women's Stories (5.8) - 5/9/19 Part IV: The Evolution of Cable TV: From Reruns To Women’s Stories = (5.9) - 5/13/19
  • Guest Resources:
  • YouTube Version:

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