What about Women?

The last few months the Houston sports radio scene has changed. Hosts have left one station for another. A fourth 24-hour sports station is set to begin in a few weeks. Questions are being asked whether the city of Houston is big enough for four 24-hour stations. Through each of the changes; attempted changes; and articles written about the changes, time and time again I've seen and heard about the key demographic each station is trying to attract and maintain for its advertisers: men who are between the ages of 25 to 54.

I have a question...

...What about women?

I'm not going to cite the surveys and census reports; but, I know I've seen, heard, and read, there are more women living in America than men. I'm not naive to think more women listen to sports talk shows than men; but, this new era of "guy talk radio" seems to be based on a belief women do not listen to sports talk radio shows at all. Perhaps the women who listen to these shows need to become more active in calling the shows and voicing their opinions (informed and uniformed) as their male counterparts.

The Chronicle's David Barron analyzes the sports talk radio landscape in Houston in today's paper. In the article, Barron also lists the more than two dozen radio personalities who have hosted regularly scheduled weekday sports talk shows in Houston over the past decade. Of the list only one person is a woman -- Kris O'Donnell. Kris was a co-host of SportsBeat on KTRH 740 AM with Tom Franklin from 2000 to 2001. By the way, I appeared on that show as a basketball analyst.

Based on the list, I guess we have to assume either women aren't interested in hosting sports talk shows or women are not getting the opportunity to host sports talk shows. Whichever reason is true is disappointing to me because I know lots of women who are very knowledgeable about sports. My mom is a huge sports fan; and, her love of sports is a big reason I'm hooked on sports. One of my best friends can talk and analyze sports better than most of the people I know; and, as she always reminds me, I've never won an argument with her.

I grew up listening to Anita Martini discussing sports on KPRC 950 AM in the 1970s and 1980s; and, though I didn't agree with everything Anita said on the show, I did enjoy listening to her on the radio. It seems to me more and more girls and young ladies are participating in sports; but, the opportunities for those same women to get jobs in sports (hosting radio shows, becoming head coaches, etc.) is declining.

Women work. Women earn money; and, women spend money. If the numbers are correct and women outnumber men and spend more money than men, why are women seemingly ignored when it comes to sports talk shows?

A silent majority is vulnerable to a vocal minority.

More Podcasts

With so many specific HRR blogs for men's and women's hoops, lately, I've turned the HRR's "Basketball for Thought" section into a "wish list"; update; almost promo-type area. (My "Dear Hilton" letter received a huge response; so, at the very least, I know people are indeed reading my writings.)

This post is another example of my "wish list".

As I mentioned in the July 1 "BB4T -- 'Future', I want to host my own radio show to talk and discuss basketball. Not just men's hoops; but, women's hoops as well. College, pro, international, too. I've made a few inquiries into making this dream a reality; so, hopefully, everything will eventually work in my favor.

In addition to hosting my own show, a prominent college basketball coach has talked with me about a few other basketball endeavors; so, my basketball "cupboard" is far from bare if the show doesn't happen this year.

Besides those promising endeavors, one of the things I'm hoping to create are weekly podcasts with basketball coaches; players; and / or administrators. My plan is simple enough: interview (1-on-1) my guests and post the interviews in podcast style similar to what Chad Ford does on ESPN.com. The interviews could become very popular; so, hopefully, I'll be able to generate sponsors to participate and support The HRR.

Based on the success of any of my ideas, The HRR may evolve once again. The HRR has gone from an NBA Draft publication to a Rockets / NBA publication; shifted to a Houston colleges / universities publication; changed to a Houston Comets publication; moved toward a women's basketball publication; morphed into a basketball publication; and now to who knows what's next?...

However, I will state this: I've already begun making plans to attend the 2008 Women's Final Four. Why? Well, I've attended the Women's Final Four since 2000; and, the 2008 event is going to be in Tampa, FL. That's why.

However, when I return from Tampa, I'll cover the Houston Rockets as they get ready for the NBA Playoffs and finally advance past the first round.

Confused?

Don't be confused.

Just be patient and keep visiting TheHRR.com.

Future

Today, is the first day NBA teams can "officially" talk to free agents. However, teams cannot "sign" free agents until July 11. This news isn't new to any fans of the NBA; but, today does, technically, mark the beginning of the 2007 - 2008 NBA season.

Thank goodness.

Last year and last season were tough for me and my family. Thus far, 2007 has gone well; and, I'm expecting (yes, expecting - not hoping) the good feelings will continue.

Consequently, though I continue to cover the Houston Comets, I'm looking forward to 2007 - 2008.

Why?

One, I'd like to start my own basketball radio show (over the air or via the Internet). I know the Comets and the WNBA aren't exactly stable; but, I'm perfectly willing and able to discuss the Rockets; the NBA; and men's college hoops. An over the air radio show would focus on men's hoops while an Internet show would discuss women's hoops as well.

Two, covering basketball is starting to be fun for me once again. I'm looking forward to seeing what the Rockets do this season. A new coach (Rick Adelman) and a new general manager (Daryl Morey) bring new ideas and a new approach to Toyota Center. Change can be good.

Despite all of the hot air from Coach Tom Penders, I'm curious to see if Coach Penders can lead the Houston Cougars to the NCAA Tournament in 2007 - 2008 and provide Conference USA more than just Memphis to hang its proverbial hat.

The Rice Owls will begin life "AMA" -- after Morris Almond -- in the fall; and, I don't believe Coach Willis Wilson's Owls will be as bad as many basketball people in Houston are predicting. With Autry Court undergoing renovations this season, the Owls will be vagabonds this season; but, I'll cover them as much as I can.

Next, I'm looking forward to seeing Cynthia Cooper and her Prairie View A&M Pantherettes try to repeat as champions of the Southwest Athletic Conference and return to the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season.

Joe Curl and his Houston Lady Cougars (they're still the Lady Cougars until I'm told differently) will have the most talent on their team since Chandi Jones, Sancho Lyttle, and Nicole Oliver rolled to a 28 - 4 season in 2003 - 2004.

Greg Williams and his Rice Owls women's basketball team will look to ride the broad shoulders of post player Valeriya Berezhynska and the point guard skills of Kadie Riverin in 2007 - 2008. Though Lauren Neaves and Samantha Stovall have graduated, the Owls' cupboard is hardly bare.

Finally, I'm planning to cover Big 12 women's basketball once again. Gail Goestenkors is the new head coach at Texas; Oklahoma should be loaded once again; the Aggies' stellar defense should get help from an improved offense; Baylor's youngsters have one year of experience to add to their talent; Texas Tech should be improved in Kristy Curry's second year in Lubbock; and, Oklahoma State looks to prove that last year's 8-8 record in the Big 12 was no fluke.

And, that's just the teams in the Big 12 South! As me and some of my media buddies say, "It's the Big 12!"

How's that for a look ahead to the 2007 - 2008 season basketball season -- on July 1?!