Current Events: International Women’s Day!
• International Women’s Day is coming up on Friday, March 8, a global day celebrating the achievements of women. For the third year in a row, Minnesota Public Radio Triple A KCMP (89.3 The Current)/Minneapolis will celebrate by playing nothing but music fronted by musicians who identify as women. Listeners will hear Patsy Cline, Patti Smith and Polica. Laura Marling and Lauryn Hill. Sleater-Kinney, Sharon Jones and St. Vincent. Feist and Fiona Apple. Anohni and Alice Merton. Kate Bush and Kate Nash. Bjork, Billie Holiday and Blondie… You get the picture. The Current will also feature interviews, sessions and online content throughout the day.
That being said, The Current invites [your station] to join in the International Women’s Day efforts. PD Jim McGuinn and staff are on a mission to get as many radio stations involved in celebrating the art, achievements, and contributions of women — and publicize your collective efforts!
There are many ways your station can be involved in elevating the voices and music of women: 1) Highlight music by women for 24 hours, or whatever works for your station; 2) Highlight your women hosts, or invite more contributors on that day to be women; 3) Interview artists and other local women about their music and issues that are important to them; 4) Playback archived material like sessions with women artists; 5) Add special sweepers and production elements highlighting the content you are featuring; 6) Throw a concert highlighting female artists; 7) Engage with your audience on social media — polls, requests and conversations about women artists.
McGuinn said, “Our hope is to connect the outlets that are celebrating this day, and highlight the national and international ways this day can elevate women on the radio. Feel free to reach back with any questions or ideas, and let’s celebrate IWD and the great women artists (and hosts and staffers) that power our format!” You are cordially invited to join in the celebration by submitting this brief and painless online form. Good luck… we’re all counting on you.
