Media Diversity Australia.

Media Diversity Australia (MDA) is a national not-for-profit organisation, led by journalists and media professionals that are aiming to improve the state of diversity 'in the media and communications industry in Australia. The “Who Gets To Tell Australian Stories?” study conducted by MDA, in partnership with four Australian universities, found that when examining an average of two weeks of Australian television, 75% of presenters, commentators and reporters were of Anglo-Celtic background. Only 9.3% had a non-European background and 2.1% an Indigenous background, compared to 21% and 3% respectively of the broader population. The study mapped the cultural backgrounds of editorial leaders in television newsrooms and the composition of television network boards. 100% of free-to-air television national news directors have an Anglo-Celtic background (and they are all male).

MDA chair, Isabel Lo said, “We continue to see all-white panels who are there to comment on issues impacting our very multicultural nation. Unless we see a change in both the composition of leadership teams and talent on screen — our media will remain disconnected from audiences whose engagement is already waning”.

The report recommends systematic collection of diversity data, establishing cultural diversity targets, and making diversity a priority in the recruitment and promotion of its staff. It also explores the monetary aspects that can come with an effort to better connect with and reflect their diverse audience.

We stand with MDA when we say that media diversity matters, and that we want our news and current affairs media to look and sound like a culturally and linguistically diverse Australia.

How you can help Media Diversity Australia with a $10 a month tax-deductible donation 🙌

If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to support the important work MDA does please click here. They are a not-for-profit organisation run predominantly by volunteers. With your support, MDA can continue to run programs to support CALD journalists, conduct agenda-setting research, run networking events, provide practical solutions for the media industry, and much more.