1380 The Woman includes diverse management, producers, hosts

Dan Marshall, owner of the new St. Louis radio station 1380 The Woman, boasts that it’s an all-inclusive station employing African-American women in prominent positions. One of these women is Robin Weng Jackson, general manager and vice president of 1380 The Woman.

“It was very important to me that if I came on board the station had to be for all women – not just your West County soccer mom,” Jackson said.

“I didn’t want another all-white station,” Marshall said. “I wanted it to be not only the first all-woman talk station, but the first all-inclusive. I’ve surrounded myself by a great team of women.”

Jackson is a 25-year advertising and broadcasting veteran. Her past work experience includes an account executive position with KPLR-TV and a senior account representative position with KDNL-TV. She was also instrumental in the launch of WRBU-TV, which was one of the most successful UPN network launches in history.

She is joined by Emmy-award winning producer of 1380 The Woman, Yolanda Curry.

“We call her the power producer,” said Cassandra Walker, co-host of “Kelley and Cassandra LIVE,” said of Curry. “She can write the most appealing invitation letter to get you on our show that you would think we were Oprah.”

Walker currently co-hosts the Best of the STL and is a former award-winning columnist for The St. Louis American. 

“Kelley and Cassandra LIVE,” which airs weekdays from 3-6 p.m., is one of two shows featuring African-American co-hosts. The other is “Let’s Talk Shop” with Dawn Meadows Dixon and Teacha Tigue.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee, a personal friend of Walker’s, may join “Kelley and Cassandra LIVE” as a celebrity guest contributor, pending contract negotiations.

When Walker was asked how the station planned to convince women listeners to switch from FM to AM radio, she replied, “I think branding has a lot to do with it.” She mentioned the station’s logo, which is plastered on highway billboards across town. It was Walker’s idea to use a replica of her lips as the station’s official logo.

“We wanted to make it soft. But, we also wanted to make it strong and memorable,” Walker said. “I’m thankful to Dan for even allowing me to have an input.”

Marshall said he needs the input of his African-American staff to succeed.

“I want the African-American audience,” he said. “We want them on our airwaves.”

Walker and her co-host Lamm share a desire to use their show as a platform to uplift the community. Although many topics will have a general appeal, Walker said some topics specifically target African-American women, such as healthier soul food options, natural hair care, and literacy advocacy for African-American youth.

“It’s important, because we exist,” Walker said. “So many times on radio and television, we are not represented.”

St. Louis’s first-ever woman-talk radio station, the newly rebranded KXFN-AM 1380 The Woman was officially launched on May 1. Marshall also owns a brother station, KFNS-AM 590 The Man.

For a listing of shows and times, visit 1380TheWoman.com Follow this reporter on Twitter: @BridjesONeil.