After MidNite with Granger Smith

After MidNite with Granger Smith

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Reese Witherspoon Advocates For Female Artists

Reese Witherspoon is speaking up and taking a stand for women in country music.

The Hollywood actress, known for her role as June Carter in the 2005 film, ‘Walk The Line’ took to Twitter on Wednesday, April 10 to make a statement.

"Let’s fix this y’all!" Witherspoon captioned alongside an article from the Washington Post, criticizing the lack of women represented during the recent ACM Awards. "Women are severely underrepresented on the country radio. Shout out to the @Inclusionists for tackling inequality in entertainment through research and projects."

The Washington Post article pointed out that 32 male artists performed, compared to 13 females.

CMT has recognized the disconnect in gender disparity and has become a leader in the conversation with the 2013 launch of the CMT Next Women Of Country program.

RELATED: ACM Awards: New Study Examines Country Music’s Gender Disparity.

CMT’s Senior Vice President of Music & Talent, Leslie Fram, led the Next Women program after seeing a need for country music women to be heard.

“When I moved to Nashville seven years ago to work for CMT, I was coming from rock-alternative radio and some years in pop,” shared Fram. “I discovered Ashley Monroe and Brandy Clark and fell in love with their pure voices and songs about heartache, coupled with true storytelling.”

“Finding out that these artists and so many other women were not being supported was the impetus for CMT’s ‘Next Women Of Country’ franchise. CMT has always supported female artists so we wanted to find an avenue to amplify this exposure for all the great new female talent in town.”

“Coming from radio — a male-dominated business, I found that women both on the business side and artists had to work harder to get their voices heard, earn respect and have the ability to grow. I want to continue to fight for equality and help create an equal playing field for these artists. It’s important and vital for the future of our format.”

CMT’s Cody Alan has also aligned himself with supporting a shift toward a more diverse country radio format.

"With Jimmie Allen and Kane Brown both climbing the charts to No. 1 this year. It’s time to wrap our arms around talented artists for their abilities, and not discard them for their gender, race or simply not ‘fitting in the box.’ I am proud that CMT is leading the charge on our platforms. Our Artists of the Year special was a great example of how to truly embrace the influence of female stars in country music — past, present, and future. The women of country add a perspective the music needs.”

“On the radio with CMT After MidNite and CMT Radio Live, we’re also dedicating air time and effort to waving the flag for females and diversity. By the way, all this is happening not just because the artist is female, but because female artists are making great music.”

Photo Credit: Getty Images.


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