A survey of ethnic women broadcasters by the NEMBC Women's Commitee was presented to the NEMBC Annual General Meeting in November 1997. The purpose of the survey was to find out:
| • | what women are doing within their programming groups and stations |
| • | what issues are of interest and concern to women |
| • | what women feel could be done to assist them |
The report does not provide the complete picture of women in ethnic community broadcasting however it did provide the NEMBC with feedback and information to assist their future activities
Key issues identified from the survey include:|
| • | The high number of women who responded to the questionnaire and what they had to say show that there is a great amount of interest and enthusiasm amongst women in the sector. However, it is clear that a lot of this energy is going untapped. Many women want to particpate more at all levels of their station and programming groups. Amongst some women there is a strong feeling of frustration that they are being excluded from decision making processes |
| • | Specific statements about discrimination on the basis of ethnicity and gender are of major concern |
| • | Young women and recent arrivals are underrepresented in ethnic broadcasting |
| • | The results show that when programming groups are women only, women use a broader range of broadcasting skills. With the introduction of new and more technologies within the sector, it is important to make sure women have equitable access to these resources |
| • | There are women who wish to move beyond the traditional language or ethnic based form of programming. They want to work with other women and with cultural groups other than their own show |
| • | Many women feel that need for more support and resourcing from stations and/or programming groups |