FAMU Alumna Meaghan Taylor, A Love for Radio with Ambition for Community
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Meaghan Taylor, a Florida A&M University alumna from the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC), is making her mark in the radio industry while creating space for other women to thrive. Using her experience across major media companies, including iHeartRadio and Premiere Networks, Taylor expanded her impact by founding Women in Radio in 2016.
Taylor arrived at FAMU with dreams of pursuing television but soon realized her path would take a different direction. As an introvert with a deep appreciation for music, she found her voice in radio.
“I ended up in radio after speaking with a few friends. I've always loved music, so it was just, you know, the perfect match, and it aligned.”
Meaghan Taylor (center) poses with fellow women in the radio industry early in her
career, celebrating sisterhood and representation in media during a professional gathering.
(Photo courtesy of Women in Radio.)
Her post-graduation came with challenges. After months of searching for opportunities, Taylor returned to her hometown of Vero Beach, Florida. Although initially rejected for an internship at a local radio station, she was later offered a position as an assistant. That opportunity led to her own late-night broadcast, where she played urban adult contemporary music. While the format was not her original interest, it provided valuable experience and opened doors for her career.
Taylor later worked at a hip-hop station in West Palm Beach, Beatz 96.3, before moving to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where she served on-air and as an assistant program director.
After gaining experience in multiple markets and eventually returning to Florida, Taylor founded Women in Radio. Around the same time, she began working with iHeartRadio. Nearly a decade later, she is approaching her 10th anniversary with both iHeartRadio and the organization she built.
A recipient of the Women in Radio Media Grant is presented with a $1,000 award during
the Women in Radio Conference, supporting women advancing their voices in podcasting
and media. (Photo courtesy of Women in Radio.)
When asked about how it was entering and growing within the industry Taylor stated,
“It’s very hard. It's also been very lonely, which is why I created the community in the first place. Everybody, especially, I hate to say, younger people these days, they want instant satisfaction, instant gratification. And there's work that has to be done, there's hours that have to be spent, there's people you have to meet to get through those doors of wherever you want to go,” she said.
Women raise their hands during an engaging session at the Women in Radio Conference, where attendees gathered to connect, learn, and celebrate the voices and leadership
of women across the media industry. (Photo courtesy of Women in Radio.)
For many members, Women in Radio represents the very community Taylor once needed.
“I have a few close friends and colleagues in the public relations and communications industry, and when I hear Women in Radio, I think of a diverse community of women who are either in the radio and entertainment industry or looking to explore it,” said Dymond Franklin, a FAMU alumna, media professional and a member of Taylor’s organization.
In a male-dominated field, Taylor is creating intentional spaces for connection, growth and inspiration.
“During any conference, my favorite moments are when you’re able to network,” Franklin said. “You can showcase yourself and your talents, while also meeting other professionals that could lead to lifelong relationships.”
Women in radio and media share a joyful moment during a Women in Radio event, celebrating
connection, collaboration, and the power of women supporting women in the industry.
(Photo courtesy of Women in Radio.)
Now, Taylor and her team are preparing for a 10-city national tour, beginning in Atlanta and concluding in Miami. At each stop, the organization will recognize a woman for her dedication and contributions to the industry.
Sharing how she’s achieved her current success, Taylor said:
“I think I just show up as myself authentically. I always put my head down, and I always just do the work, not too much to ever say. Talk has always been very cheap for me, so just doing the work and making things happen and being a person that people can rely on, I think that's super important. It's like when you're given these opportunities, you want to make sure that you come through and return the favor or come through and show them what exactly you can do.”
While building her own path, Taylor also credits the women who paved the way for her success. She highlights Monica Barnes, executive producer of “The Steve Harvey Morning Show,” along with Thea Mitchem, executive VP of programming at iHeartMedia, and Nikki Sparrow executive VP of multicultural sales and marketing at iHeartMedia, as leaders who recognized her potential and helped shape her journey.
Women in broadcasting and media are honored during a Women in Radio gathering, recognizing
their voices, leadership, and influence across the industry. (Photo courtesy of Women
in Radio.)
Franklin said seeing fellow FAMU alumni excel in the industry continues to be a source
of pride and inspiration.
“It’s empowering. FAMU doesn’t just produce talent, it produces culture shapers,” Franklin said. “Each time I come across a fellow Rattler who is paving the way for others, I feel proud. It’s representation in action — proof that HBCU excellence translates everywhere and a reminder that your network and roots matter.”
Nearly a decade after launching Women in Radio, Taylor’s vision continues to expand.
She encourages women interested in the industry to remain authentic, work hard and
stay grounded.
“Always doing the work is so important, and meeting people, and never thinking you're bigger than the program. And you know, just being humble and giving thanks to God and opening doors for people” Taylor said.
Five days into Women’s History Month and as Women In Radio begins its tour, it seems fitting to say, Meaghan Taylor is a driving force, showing appreciation for women and all that they can achieve individually and as a community.
“I hope to see in the next few years, more women in leadership, more women in podcasting, more women owning those spaces, the creative spaces where people can actually make the creative content and it's a safe space for them,” Taylor said.
The Women in Radio 2026 National Tour brings together powerful voices in media, uniting women across 10 cities for a dynamic celebration of leadership, storytelling, and sisterhood in broadcasting. (Graphic courtesy of Women in Radio.)
For more information about the Women in Radio initiative and its mission to support and amplify women’s voices in media and broadcasting, visit the organization’s website at www.womeninradio.org. You can also follow their latest updates, events, and opportunities on Instagram at @womeninradio.
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
