Women’s Consciousness Raising Hour

A letter in New York Radical Feminists Newsletter by producer Helene Silverstein raising awareness about the possible cancellation of the program in 1974

Women’s Consciousness Raising Hour, Hosted by Diane Trombley, also abbreviated to CR Hour, was one of the variety shows in the catalog of WBAI women’s programming. Women’s consciousness raising was a form of activism that came into popularity in feminist circles in the late 1960s. Sharing information, and highlighting issues that might be of public concern is often the first step in increasing awareness and possibly bringing about change. Different episodes of the show, inspired by the practice, grappled with subjects such as women's issues in American politics, valuing some lives over others, witnessing suffering, narcissism, exploration of lesbian identity. The show also explored custody discrimination against lesbian mothers, early legal challenges, case precedents, and strategies for advocacy within the emerging gay rights movement. 

Fran Luck recounts hearing women’s consciousness programing on WBAI in the in 1970s. She went on to host her own show, Joy of Resistance: Multicultural Feminist Radio on WBAI here.