KPFT Broadcast encore production of the award-winning documentary
WOMEN IN CONGRESS
“Women in Congress” is a documentary public affairs presentation produced by Dr. Robert Franklin, KPFT-FM General Manager. The documentary takes a historical look at the role of women in the political process from the election of Jeannette Rankin, a Representative from Montana in 1916, to Shirley Chisholm’s election as the Democratic Representative from New York in 1968. The documentary explored the plight of female members in the United States Congress in the Republican and Democratic party.
The documentary was produced in four hour-long segments.
Program Number One provides a historical overview of the election of two pioneering women, Jeanette Rankin from Montana and Shirley Chisholm from New York. Airdate: Tuesday, March 15, 4-5 p.m.
Program Number Two explores the challenges Congresswomen encountered seeking elective office. Some of those challenges included fundraising, childcare, and health care. Airdate: Tuesday, March 22, 4-5 p.m.
The Center for the American Woman and Politics at Rutgers University produced a study, which served as the backdrop for Program Number Three. The report, “Media and Coverage of Women in the 103rd Congress” dealt with newspapers portrayal of female lawmakers. In program three, members speak about the impact of the media on their day-to-day political experiences in the United States Congress. Airdate: Tuesday, March 29, 4-5 p.m.
The documentary concludes with program number four. In this program members explain how they make the political system work for their constituents, and how legislation that is passed in the Congress impacts upon the lives of millions of Americans around the country. Airdate: April 5, 4-5 p.m.
Those interviewed for this documentary were current and past members of Congress. They included: the late Patsy Mink, D-Hawaii former representative Andrea Seastrand, R-California, and Eleanor Holmes – Norton, D-District of Columbia, among many others.
