Memo to the Australian radio industry: Keep backing women

Ahead of International Women’s Day this Sunday – as the dust begins to settle on one of the most astounding weeks in Australian radio history – Radio Today is celebrating everything women bring to table.

We asked women from all facets of the industry this question:

As we prepare to celebrate the achievements of women the world over, what is your message to the Australian radio industry this International Women’s Day?

This was their response:

Maz Compton: SCA radio host and content creator

“What I would love to see more of – and I am seeing more of – is a solid representation of the female voice in the radio industry. When you think about our gender split in society, it’s a 50-50 voice share. I would love to see that on the radio and hear that on the radio.”

“So, more radio gigs for women who have interesting stories to tell, I think is the goal. And so if there’s anyone out there who wants to get into radio, you can! You can absolutely do it!”

“I want to encourage the women who are on radio to hang in there, and to keep sharing their stories, and to anyone who wants to get in, to know that it is absolutely still attainable.”

Bianca Dye: Radio presenter and Australian Audio Awards co-host

“International Women’s Day is a reminder that a woman’s voice is her superpower – and we shouldn’t have to soften it, shrink it, or apologise for it.”

“I have had to many times in my career, and it breaks my heart that I had to.”

“The world changes when women speak up, tell their truth, and refuse to stay quiet, even when ‘our voices shake.’ I’ve spent my career on the radio saying the things women are often told not to say out loud – and I hope the next generation of amazing radio women know their voice is not too loud, too emotional, or too much … god, NO! It’s exactly what the world needs.”

“Keep being loud n proud.”

Jen Seydehelm: Writer, editor and podcaster for Radioinfo

“We can achieve so much more when we work together.”

“I have had the singular pleasure of working with you, Sarah Patterson, across our two publications Radioinfo and Radio Today, for the last three years. We give each other a heads up to significant stories, vet and champion each other’s work and are a sounding board when we need to step outside a story or idea.”

“Find and nurture your allies and be one yourself. We all win.”

Patrina Jones: Presenter on the GOLD Network’s The Christian O’Connell Show and host of the Rage Against the Menopause podcast

“Women, particularly those aged 40 plus, are essential to your business! They have a wealth of life experience and are at their most powerful and relatable.”

Annabelle ‘A.B’ Brett: Breakfast co-host on 927 MixFM

“2026 is the year we stop with the trope that female broadcasters are just laughing tracks.”

“We have Emma Lawrence as the first female NRL caller on Triple M and co-hosts who belittle and talk down are being rejected by audiences and the industry.”

“We are powerful, people want to hear our voices and opinion and we won’t be silenced anymore.”

Carly Portch: Triple M WA host

“My message is to not only celebrate women but invest in them as leaders, storytellers and decision makers. I think seeing more women at the top trickles down it creates more safe spaces to be heard and it also creates a path forward for women who want to climb the corporate ladder you can’t be what you can’t see!”

Olympia Kwitowski: Radio host, podcast presenter and MC

“After more than a decade in radio, I know great broadcasting comes down to authentic voices and real connection.”

“Shows will always come and go, but the industry must keep backing strong female voices behind the microphone – because when women lead the conversation, audiences listen!”

Maddy Rowe: Nova Network radio host

“I think we are in a really great place with incredible women dominating the airwaves in 2026. I’m really inspired and excited about what the future of Australian radio is looking like with strong female voices at the helm.”

Main image: International Women’s Day website. Other images: LinkedIn and supplied