skip to main content

New Report Shows Women Underrepresented on UK Radio

Women are underrepresented in UK radio according to a new report that reveals 81% of songs in the Top 100 Radio Airplay chart feature men.

Published: 24 August 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 25 March 2022 | 4:16 PM
Woman talking in a microphone, she appears to be recording something for a talk broadcast.
Female musicians, songwriters, composers and producers, as well as radio presenters, need to be heard and credited for their work in the same way that men are. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The Gender Disparity Data Report shows that 30% feature men, 19% feature women, and 30% feature collaborations. Only 3% of music producers in the Top 100 are women.

The report is based on British domestic only artists and those whose songs are registered on Radiomonitor. Read the full data report prepared by Linda Coogan Byrne and Women in CTRL.

Highlighting the challenges women face

Responding to the research, MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl said, “These statistics are extremely disappointing and highlight the many challenges that women face in the music industry.

“It is a choice not to record, play or promote music by female artists as the talent is there. Female musicians, songwriters, composers and producers, as well as radio presenters, need to be heard and credited for their work in the same way that men are.

“The MU is committed to supporting and championing women working in the music industry and we look forward to seeing how radio stations plan to tackle this issue,” added Pohl.

Building a more equal industry

The MU is proud to be signed up to Keychange, a PRS Foundation initiative working towards an equal gender balance on all MU committees and events.

MU members are also invited to join the MU’s equality networks, and help shape Union policies, campaigns and services.

Explore our work for women in music.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

The European Union flag next to the national flag of Great Britain.

Have Your Say on UK-EU Artist Mobility and Collaboration

Arts Infopoint UK's new survey on UK-EU artist mobility aims to help the arts have a voice and stronger representation in future EU-UK discussions. If you've participated in EU funding programmes, or are working or planning to work on a UK/EU project, we encourage you to take part.

Published: 08 January 2026

Read more about Have Your Say on UK-EU Artist Mobility and Collaboration
The outside of the BBC Headquarters building.

BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch

The MU has joined sister unions in writing to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy to reiterate the key principles that should underpin the BBC Charter Review process.

Published: 18 December 2025

Read more about BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch
Black and white image of a conductor in front of the orchestra pit in a theatre, cast members are on stage in the background out of focus.

MU Welcomes Arts Council England Review

We broadly welcome Baroness Margaret Hodge’s review of Arts Council England, which reflects many of the concerns raised by the MU and other creative unions. We will now press the government to respond positively to its recommendations.

Published: 18 December 2025

Read more about MU Welcomes Arts Council England Review