A feminist TV channel - what would it be like? Shows, themes,ads etc

[itshardthinkingofanickname]

Inspired by recent talks about advertising and films.

If there was a feminist TV channel, what would you put on it? Shows, films, sit coms.

The adverts would have to not feature women doing all the housework and the men just being cool. They'd have to be more reflective of what actually happens in some households. And no adverts telling women what to do with make up etc.

Films - well, no James Bond for a start.

I'm sure it would be appealing and not too "politically correct"

(think of is as the feminist pub in your living room)

[ReadyToPopAndFresh]

All the films previously mentioned in the other FWR thread running. A book club would be nice.

Decent comedies that pass the Bechdel test.

Decent late night talk shows hosted by female comedians.

News hosted by all women.

Entertaining and informative shows at all hours not just in the evening when people are home for work. Because if you are home during the day with children you really just want to watch Mathew Wright and "JK"

I'd actually enjoy a fashion show (hear me out) that goes in to actual women's fashions. And rather than take a woman who looks "butch" or whatever and dresses her up to a current style and turn in to a yummy mummy... but maybe helps her find clothes she actually likes. Be it mini skirt or dungarees.

No "health" shows unless they actually are about genuine women's health. How to spot heart attack in women that sort of thing. Noot just poorly designed diet and excercise shows.

[itshardthinkingofanickname]

See - this could work.

How do you set up a TV channel!!!

[itshardthinkingofanickname]

I can see the Dragon's Den pitch now.

[ReadyToPopAndFresh]

Ooh and maybe for an hour or two first thing in the morning educational feminist programing for children in cartoon form.

Emmeline, the Radfem magic pony and her stable of feminist super ponies

Or something like that

Saturday mornings and afternoons can be shows for teen girls that don't talk down to them, don't sell them make up, discuss real healthy relationships and conversely what shit ones look like. Staring teen boys who aren't "jocks"... but nice young boys who enjoy feminist theory and indy films and look forward to being sahds one day.

Shows for teen girls that interviews women in high profile or interesting jobs and how they got those jobs.


Get em while they're young

[ReadyToPopAndFresh]

Deborah Meaden scares me.. You'll have to go in on your own!

[itshardthinkingofanickname]

And you would be a presenter based on your merits - not your appearance.

So you would have to know your stuff.

[ReadyToPopAndFresh]

I'd love an Apollo style show that only featured new female talent. So many women comics who just don't get a look in

[itshardthinkingofanickname]

I think we can have some men - just as long as they don't feel the need to use sexist stereotypes. So Frankie Boyle would be out.

[dreamingbohemian]

I'd like some sports, please

The Lady Gunners are one of the most successful women's teams in Europe, are they ever on TV? Do people even know they exist? So frustrating.

Also shows about science, engineering, math, all these professions that women are under-represented in.

Music shows featuring every kind of music out there, the sole proviso being non-misogynistic

[slug]

Science and History programmes fronted by women. Mary Beard on the Romans, Maggie Alderin Pocock on The Sky at Night, Alice Roberts on human evolution etc.

[thatswhatimtalkingbout]

Just having loads more brilliant women on TV would be great even if they were the same formats: panel shows, cooking shows, news shows, history, drama, current affairs.... it would just be so great to have more women doing this stuff

adverts I think would have to be actually banned in the short / medium term as the whole basis of advertising is so deeply rooted in fostering insecurities about gender = reinforcing patriarchy. It would have to be subscription only.

[ReadyToPopAndFresh]

Would you have to put some men on? They are already covered pretty well on every other most channels. Or should we have a 1 man per show gesture like the BBC have given us

I'd like more music and less vulva. And when festival season starts I want women presenters who actually like and know music doing the interviews. NOt just young women in cool wellies sitting next to men who know what they are talking about. And interviewing more female musicians.

I'd like advertising.. but for stuff women actually want and need. Moon cup adverts not scented fanjo wash.

[ReadyToPopAndFresh]

dreamingbohemian how do you think I feel? I'm American, our football is a joke apparently..


Except no, our women's team is best in the world! Suck it England just because the men are shit does not mean American doesn't do football.

[ReadyToPopAndFresh]

It would be good if they could make an effort to actually show a multi ethnic society (like the UK is) so maybe some quotas (proper ones not token gesture ones).. to make sure everyone is represented. ON the tv and behind the scenes.

Oh and that would be important to having actual women producers and writers.

I'd like to see lesbians represented as not wank fodder for men too.

[ArtetasSwollenAnkle]

If anyone was serious about this, I found this article - it is a year old, but may still be relevant;

www.theregister.co.uk/2013/02/07/ofcom_600mhz/

[WillieWaggledagger]

i don't remember what it's called but there's a show where a man goes around challenging dodgy tradesmen

you could do a similar one where a woman goes and challenges misogynist advertising messages (confronting individuals from advertising companies, the companies advertising products etc) and asking them to explain themselves / their thinking / their market research which has led them to their decisions about how to advertise in that way

[ReadyToPopAndFresh]

Rogue traders!

And that would be brilliant!

Would also love a show that discussed religion and women's roles in it from a feminist view point.

Oh and on site interviews at feminist conferences.

[VelvetStrider]

Some of the adverts could be for very personal and slightly embarrassing mens products - erectile disfunction treatments, scrotal waxing kit, prostate tickler, snug fit condoms etc.

After all, we have to put up with primetime showings of Tena Lady, wind dispersal tablets, panty liners and so on.

[dreamingbohemian]

ready hey I'm American too originally

Women's football is great, they just get on with it without diving and yelling at the ref and being all pouty.

[Bifauxnen]

Frankie Boyle would have a place, I think. Late at night there could be one of those gambling shows where he's placed in stocks and if you win he gets pelted with rotten veg. It would have to be rigged to be quite easy to win. Great viewing and would also generate cash to fund the channel.

[ReadyToPopAndFresh]

Yeah why is it acceptable in the "manly" sports to roll about like that, it's the adult equivalent of "teacher teacher he's looking at me!"?

Shameful!

[slug]

Women's sport in general. All those Olympic medal holders, both the summer and the winter ones, could have their sports covered. The Wimbledon women's final could be broadcast on prime time TV, the men's could go behind the red button.

[itshardthinkingofanickname]

Love the idea of advertisers being challenged like in Rogue Traders.

[itshardthinkingofanickname]

The news should cover women's issues - especially worldwide ones that hardly get a mention.

[Scarletohello]

Great idea!

I'd like a show about women's rights around the world, a feminist perspective on the news, how new laws and policies affect women, a documentary about rape and sexual assault and a weekly show about personal development. Demonstrations of active listening, conflict resolution etc.

And lots of comedy like Smack The Pony!