Author: mediadiv

Opportunities

Women Of Colour Mentorships

Opportunities

Women Of Colour Mentorships

Mid-career women journalists of First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to undertake a 12-month program to help pave a pathway into leadership roles.

Media Diversity Australia is calling for expressions of interest from mid-career, women journalists of First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to undertake a 12-month program to help pave a pathway for them into leadership roles.

  • This program is designed to empower First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse women journalists and provide them with the requisite knowledge and skills to navigate climbing the ranks of editorial leadership.
  • The ten (10) Mentorships will be Australia-wide (two of the 10 successful Mentees will be University of Melbourne and Monash University alumni).
  • Mentees will undertake a rigorous selection criteria process based on skill set, experience, personality, cultural fit, and geographical location.
  • Once accepted, each applicant will be matched with the right Mentor.
  • MDA will facilitate multiple online meetings between Mentors and Mentees before commencing the 12-month Mentorship program to ensure a smooth onboarding process.
  • The Mentorships are scheduled to commence in mid-2022.
  • The Mentorship recipients will be mentored and supported by an MDA Project Manager.
  • Mentorships will take place with one mentor connected to one media outlet for the duration of the placement.

 THE 12-MONTH PROGRAM WILL INCLUDE

  • Multiple in-person sessions with their Mentor in their respective workplace.
  • Multiple online workshops with individual Mentors.
  • Multiple online workshops with all Mentors focusing on professional development, leadership skills, presentation skills, compelling storytelling, and insights into effective editorial processes.
  • An opportunity to attend and speak at an MDA networking event and/or be featured in MDA’s monthly newsletter.

HOW TO APPLY

  • Applicants must be early to mid-career journalists or media professionals.
  • Applicants will come from a First Nations or culturally or linguistically diverse background or have an interest in growing First Nations and cultural and linguistic diversity in Australia’s newsrooms (please note: the term “women of colour” denotes a  woman belonging to a racial group not categorised as white). 
  • You must address all of the following to be considered for this program: 
    In 500 words or less, please tell us a bit about you, your media industry experience, your leadership aspirations, and why you should be an MDA Mentee.
  • Please also attach a CV and at least one written reference.
  • Applications open on Friday, March 4, 2022, at 9 am AEDT and close on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at 5 pm AEST. 
  • Successful candidates will be announced in June 2022 after an interview process.

Applicants can apply by clicking here (Entries Closed). 

Opportunities

Chinese-Australian Journalism Secondment

Opportunities

Chinese-Australian Journalism Secondment

Early to mid-career Australians of Chinese heritage with experience or an interest in journalism to undertake an eight-week program working in mainstream newsrooms.

Media Diversity Australia is calling for expressions of interest from early to mid-career Australians of Chinese heritage with experience or an interest in working in journalism, to undertake an eight-week program working in mainstream newsrooms.

  • The program is designed to improve journalism coverage of Chinese communities in Australia, by increasing the number of journalists with strong Chinese cultural connections. 
  • It will provide Chinese-Australian professionals with the knowledge and skills to navigate climbing the ranks of editorial leadership, and mid-career Chinese-Australians working in other professions with flexible journalism work that may lead to a potential career pivot.
  • The three (3) secondments will take place in Australian major cities.
  • Secondees will undertake a rigorous selection criteria process based on skill set, experience, personality, cultural fit, and geographical location.
  • Once confirmed, each Secondee will be matched with a mainstream newsroom to arrange working hours that are mutually beneficial.
  • Any content produced by secondees and published by participating newsrooms will be free of the oversight or influence of any government agencies.
  • The secondments are scheduled to commence in September 2022.
  • The secondment recipients will be mentored and supported by an MDA Mentor.

THE EIGHT-WEEK PROGRAM WILL INCLUDE

  • Working in mainstream Australian newsrooms on weekdays, after hours, or on weekends in agreement with applicants and newsrooms.
  • Networking (virtual) sessions between secondees and Media Diversity Australia
  • Multiple check-ins with MDA mentors throughout the eight-week placement
  • “Getting to know you” profiles on MDA’s social media
  • Google News Training sessions
  • Opportunities to attend and speak at an MDA networking event and/or be featured in MDA’s monthly newsletter.
  • Competitive weekly stipend for the duration of the Secondment.

EXPECTED PROJECT OUTCOMES

  • Content produced by Secondees will be at the host newsroom’s discretion. Stories pitched by Secondees on China and geopolitical affairs and those affecting the Chinese-Australian community will be specially considered. 
  • Better relations between Chinese communities, community media and mainstream media outlets.
  • Improvement in the host newsroom’s access to the Chinese-Australian community.
  • Increased diversity in the host newsroom’s commentary and interview subjects on stories relevant to the diverse Chinese-Australian communities.
  • New pathways for community media journalists, professionals with strong writing and presentation skills, and interest in news and current affairs to enter the mainstream media with improved knowledge and understanding of mainstream media and journalism.

HOW TO APPLY

  • Applicants must have the right to work in Australia and provide evidence if requested.
  • Applicants will ideally have Chinese heritage
  • Applicants will preferably be proficient in Mandarin or Cantonese
  • Applicants will preferably have experience working in community media, new media or demonstrated strong writing or presentation skills
  • You must address all of the following to be considered for this program:
  • In 500 words or less, please tell us about you, your media and communication experience, your interest in China or Chinese diaspora story ideas, your leadership qualities and aspirations, and why you should be an MDA Secondee.
  • Please attach a CV and at least one written reference.
  • Applications open on Friday, July 1, 2022, at 9 am AEDT and close on Friday, August 12, 2022, at 5 pm AEST. 
  • Successful candidates will be announced in August 2022 after an interview process.

Applications now closed.

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Events

Community Voices

Events

Community Voices

Community Voices is an initiative of the Judith Neilson Institute, in partnership with Media Diversity Australia, giving underrepresented Australians a greater voice in our national conversation.
Events

Amplifying Voices 

Events

Amplifying Voices 

14 May 2022 – 11 June 2022

Amplifying Voices is a media training program for Muslim youth women and religious leaders from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds. The program aims to build the capacity of delegates to engage with traditional Australian media and strengthen delegates’ knowledge of how social media operates and how they can better engage their audiences. It promotes accurate information and better representation of the Muslim faith and community in Australia, including correcting misrepresentations and helps improve the relationship between Muslim communities and the community of media professionals. 
Events

China Forum​

Events

China Forum​

31 May 2022

Without fear or favour: how Chinese Australian journalists can cover China safely and fairly. Hosted by Stan Grant, the live event examined two challenging issues: how Chinese background journalists can cover China-Australia relations given the perceived and real threats of reprisals or attacks on their China-based family or themselves, and also how newsrooms can cover China in a way that engages a Chinese diaspora that often have very different opinions on their country of heritage.
Newsletter

July 2022 Newsletter

Hi MDA supporters, 

In this July newsletter, our three MDA political fellows give us the lowdown on what it was like covering the recent federal election from the parliamentary press gallery during their placements with The Guardian, the Sydney Morning Herald and AAP. We also spotlight our SMH political fellow, Katherine Wong to hear about her experience as a political reporting ‘newbie’ and her tips for young journos! We introduce the first four women of colour mentorship program pairs in our new  annual program cultivating the next wave of editorial leaders. We’re also calling for expressions of interest from early to mid-career Australians of Chinese heritage to undertake an eight-week Secondment program working in mainstream newsrooms. Our 2021 Summer interns reflect on their experiences during their internships.  Entries are now open for the 67th Walkley Awards!  And finally, we are so proud to announce that our CEO, Mariam Veiszadeh is one of the 12 Community ambassadors for the Racism. It Stops With Me. Campaign.

In this issue:

  • Spotlight on: MDA’s 2022 SMH political fellow, Katherine Wong
  • Political Fellowships: Our three political fellows share their insights post election
  • Women Of Colour Mentorship Program: Introducing the first 4 mentor + mentee pairings
  • Secondment program for Chinese-Australians: Calling for expressions of interest
  • Google Summer Internships:  Let’s hear from our 2021 Summer interns!
  • End of Year Walkley Awards: Entries are now open!
  • Racism. It Stops With Me. Campaign: Our CEO Mariam Veiszadeh is one of 12 Community Ambassadors 

Spotlight on: MDA’s 2022 SMH political fellow, Katherine Wong

MDA's 2022 SMH political fellow, Katherine Wong
“
Having the opportunity to write, publish, and learn within the press gallery has further stoked my passion for journalism. 
(MDA) They understand the difficulties of being a person of colour in journalism which means they know how to help, facilitate connections when needed, and helped validate me when I needed a boost of confidence or felt the weight of imposter syndrome.
-MDA’s 2022 SMH political fellow, Katherine Wong
”

You were one of MDA's 2022 Federal Election Political Fellows - Can you tell us a bit about your time at the press gallery during your fellowship?

Working in the press gallery was an amazing experience. I had a chance to talk to, and work with, some of the best journalists in the country, and have my work published in one of the biggest print newspapers in the country. To be able to publish my own stories on young people’s perspectives of the election, diverse voices in Australian literature, and even more silly stories about political memes has been a surreal experience. Having the opportunity to write, publish, and learn within the press gallery has further stoked my passion for journalism. While I expected there to be a strong sense of competition and some degree of hostility within the press gallery, I found it wasn’t like that at all. There are so many empathetic journos who understand what it’s like to be a beginner in the industry, and everyone did whatever they could to help me find my feet. It is incredibly inspiring to walk into work everyday and be surrounded by people who are so supportive, lovely, hardworking, and love their job. There are very few places where you can experience this camaraderie.

Following the fellowship, what are your career plans? What is one piece of advice you can offer other young diverse journalists like yourself who are taking their first steps in the industry?

I’m still in the process of  applying for jobs and have received an offer to work in lifestyle media, but I’m trying to get back into a major outlet as soon as I can. I’m still not 100 per cent sure what I want to specialise in or where I want to be, but I know I want to be in journalism. I think I’m leaning towards culture news but since I’m still at the beginning of my career, I want to keep my mind and options open to trying new things. Emerging journos have probably heard this a million times before, but honestly the best tip is to make friends wherever you can. Take any and every opportunity to get lunch or a coffee, don’t be afraid to chat to people while washing your hands in the bathroom, keep in contact with people you’ve met along the way (especially other young journos). These people are the ones you can ask for help, the people who will refer you to opportunities, and who will support you through the rejections we all inevitably have to face.

Can you tell us a bit about your experience with Media Diversity Australia and what its mission means to you?

Media Diversity Australia has been so supportive throughout my experience in the Fellowship. They always reached out to make sure I felt okay in the high-pressure environment of the Press Gallery, and I could always turn to them for honest help and feedback. They understand the difficulties of being a person of colour in journalism which means they know how to help, facilitate connections when needed, and helped validate me when I needed a boost of confidence or felt the weight of imposter syndrome. 

MDA’s vision to champion cultural diversity in Australian news and media means helping aspiring journalists get their foot in the door and provide support, so young POC can stay in the industry and wield influence. It means challenging the status quo to dramatically change Australia’s media landscape for the better. It means listening to  and actively addressing the concerns of an ever-growing demographic of Australians, and advocating for equal participation for all.

Political Fellowships: Our three political fellows share their insights post election

Q. What was your favourite part of the Fellowship?

Famida Rahman (AAP):

It was really fun finding and successfully pitching stories that initially seemed small and had little coverage before they blew up.For example, finding the story about Robbie Beaton’s false address before it became a full AFP investigation for electoral fraud. Or when I successfully pitched and published a story about territory rights, interviewed four politicians on the issue, before it became a major talking point towards the end of the campaign. These types of stories were really exciting and made me feel like what I was writing had a real impact. 

It was surreal to work in the parliament house after spending years studying its significance and working to administer the policies and laws made there. It is also such a beautiful building with lots of gardens and decent food!

I had a lot of fun connecting and making friends with the other fellows

Khaled Al Khawaldeh (The Guardian):

This is a tough one, I absolutely loved every moment of it. The parts that will stick with me forever have to be the feeling of publishing my first story. Seeing my byline up there on the Guardian felt like an accumulation of years of work coming to fruition. 

Katherine Wong (SMH):

My favourite part of the Fellowship was having the chance to work and pitch in a major newsroom. To have my stories – thought of, pitched, and written completely by myself – read by thousands of people on a national level, is exhilarating. The atmosphere of a newsroom was amazing as well. The hustle and bustle, watching these senior journalists put out 4 or 5 pieces a day and being able to help out with that – it was so cool. I also loved being in the Press Gallery. It was a surprisingly friendly and communal place. Everyone would say hi to each other and stop for chats, journalists would pop in and out of each other’s newsrooms, even the security guards were really friendly.

What are the three most important things you learned from your Fellowship?

Famida Rahman (AAP):
  • How to write in the news writing style
  • Judging newsworthiness and learning how to identify the most interesting news angles for each story
  • Building the confidence to find and pitch my own stories and not taking it personally if they were rejected
Khaled Al Khawaldeh (The Guardian):

Pick up the phone, don’t be complacent (there is no time in a newsroom), be brave and have thick skin, write concisely and cleanly, style guides are there for a reason, your network is everything.

These are just some of the valuable lessons I learned in this experience, working with some of the top journalists in the country. 

Katherine Wong (SMH): 
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help, advice, or even a job. Most of the people in the newsroom want to help each other and understand how hard it is to break into this industry. 
  • Journalists and editors are people, as are the people you talk to. Be polite and professional, even if you disagree with others. It doesn’t cost anything to be polite. 
  • Journalists need to be confident and have no shame. If you don’t feel confident, just fake it to make it. Don’t be afraid to repeatedly call, email, or just generally nag people. 

Was there much diversity in the teams you worked on? How did that make you feel?

Famida Rahman (AAP):

I noticed a real lack of cultural diversity in the AAP Canberra Office, I was the only person of color in the newsroom. The lack of cultural diversity was also reflected in the press gallery more broadly. Everyone at AAP was really lovely and I never felt negatively about being from a diverse cultural background while I was part of their team. It completely felt like a non-issue. However, working in the press gallery/parliament more broadly was a bit overwhelming and I sometimes wondered if I really had a place there.

Khaled Al Khawaldeh (The Guardian):

There was an okay amount in Sydney but none at all in Canberra. It is exactly what I expected so it didn’t make me feel any type of way. However, it could feel like I didn’t belong at times but that being said – getting weird stares from people in the press gallery corridor etc. only strengthened my resolve and made me feel even prouder to be there.

Katherine Wong (SMH): 

There wasn’t very much diversity in either the Canberra or the Sydney teams. For the most part, this didn’t affect my day-to-day work too much, but I definitely noticed a difference in the way I acted when talking to POC editors and journalists, compared to non-POC members of the newsroom. When I pitched to POC editors, like Osman Faruqi, I felt much more confident and comfortable with my ideas. The process was much easier, and I was less nervous about receiving feedback. However, when I pitched to non-POC editors, I felt like I really needed to prove that my idea was worth pursuing and that people would genuinely read it. It made me feel much more anxious about the entire process.

Women of Colour Mentorships: Meet the first four mentor + mentee pairs

The Women of Colour Mentorships in partnership with Crescent Foundation, University of Melbourne, and Monash University, is designed to empower First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse women journalists and provide them with the requisite knowledge and skills to navigate climbing the ranks of editorial leadership.

Meet our first four mentor and mentee pairings…

Antoinette Lattouf (MDA/Journalist/ Author) – MENTOR 

Nehal Dalgliesh – MENTEE

Mibenge Nsenduluka (Journalist/Author) – MENTOR 

Ruth Brooke – MENTEE

Bernadinr Lim (Commissioning Editor, Documentaries SBS) – MENTOR

Angelique Lu – MENTEE

Cathy Wilcox (Cartoonist at SMH/ The Age) – MENTOR 

Famida Rahman – MENTEE

Chinese-Australian Journalism Secondment Program, in partnership with the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations (NFACR) and the National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasting Council (NEMBC): Apply NOW!

Chinese-Australian Journalism Secondment Program

Media Diversity Australia is calling for expressions of interest from early to mid-career Australians of Chinese heritage with experience or an interest in working in journalism, to undertake an eight-week program working in mainstream newsrooms.

The eight week program is designed to improve journalism coverage of Chinese communities in Australia, by increasing the number of journalists with strong Chinese cultural connections. 

It will provide three Chinese-Australian professionals with the knowledge and skills to navigate the ranks of editorial leadership, and mid-career Chinese-Australians working in other professions with flexible journalism work that may lead to a potential career pivot.

Applicants will preferably have experience working in community media, new media or demonstrated strong writing and/or presentation skills

Applicants can apply by emailing MDA’s Director of Special Projects, Simone Jordan: simone@mediadiversityaustralia.org

For more information on the Chinese- Australian Media Secondment Program visit our website at https://www.mediadiversityaustralia.org/secondment/ 

Google Summer Internships: Let’s hear from our 2021 Summer interns!

Google Summer Internships

What was your favourite part of the internship?

Manan Luthra, The New York Times: “I loved the practical opportunities it provided. Not only was I given the chance to independently produce stories, but I was also given the freedom to find my own sources, conduct interviews with them, and simplify my writing skills to suit a mass audience.”

Ricky Kirby, MammaMia: “My favourite part was having the opportunity to contribute to Mamamia, having something with my name published on their website is really cool.”

Tahnee Maxwell, The Courier-Mail: “I enjoyed being around like-minded people and seeing the way they interpreted news events and then what angles they would come up with. It was also great being around people who supported my future career and encouraged me.”

What about your internship do you think could have been improved?

Angela Ho, 10 News First: “Maybe a more formal scaffold for check-ins with my newsroom manager. There weren’t clearly definable milestones in my internship and I wasn’t sure when I’d have more formal conversations with my newsroom manager about her expectations of me. I think I did well overall, but I wasn’t sure whether there were specific criteria I should have satisfied. My newsroom manager seemed to be happy to let me drive these conversations.”

Rachael Evans, ABC Everyday: “Perhaps a bit more training from the team could’ve been provided, although I never exactly asked. For example, I would’ve loved to watch one of my co-workers do an interview, shadow the subs for a day, run through the style guide, have more insight on how editors edit, etc.”

Shazma Gaffoor, Nine News: “What I least liked was probably the waiting around at the start, but I turned it around and proactively worked towards doing my own packages.”

Was there much diversity in the teams you worked on? How did that make you feel?

Zahra Al Hilaly, Seven News: “Next to none. When MDA first mentioned the idea of being paired with a ‘CaLD buddy’ in the workplace I was tempted to say it wouldn’t be necessary, but the reality of turning up on day one in the newsroom to no one else of a different background surprised me more than I thought it would. A similar makeup was observed across different outlets when I met other journalists on-location, so meeting cadets on the road was awesome.”

Morsal Haidari, ABC News Adelaide: “I noticed straight away in the newsroom there was a lack of diversity. I had a childhood friend in the newsroom who is also from the same culture as I, which was very comforting. I realised we were the only people of colour although we fit in the newsroom culture effortlessly.”

Sohani Goonetillake, CanberraFM: “There was a lack of diversity in the newsroom, however, I did feel very welcome from the beginning. Despite our differences, I was fortunate to work in a team with similar values to mine so I felt respected and seen in the workplace.”

End of Year Walkley Awards: Entries are now open!

Entries are now open for the 67th Walkley Awards!

 The Walkley Awards are open to all Australian media for work published on any platform between September 1, 2021, and August 31, 2022. Entries close at midnight on Tuesday, August 31, 2022. Apply now!

The Walkleys recognise excellence in Australian journalism across 30 categories, on all platforms including photojournalism, documentary, non-fiction books, and cartoons.  

 You can find all of the categories, terms, conditions and submit your entry here: https://www.walkleys.com/awards/walkleys

Racism. It Stops With Me. Campaign: Our CEO Mariam Veiszadeh is one of 12 Community Ambassadors

Media Diversity Australia is proud to support the Racism. It Stops With Me campaign. Racism is more than just harmful words or individual actions. It includes structural biases in our society, its laws, institutions, and ways of thinking.

We are proud to announce that our CEO, Mariam Veiszadeh was named one of the 12 Community ambassadors of the Racism. It Stops With Me. Campaign

Anti-racism means more than being ‘not racist’. It involves actively committing to taking action against racism, wherever it occurs. That might be in the form of harmful words or actions, but it may also be in the form of structural discrimination in the workplace, or in the justice and health systems, or in the lack of representation in positions of power, such as media, boardrooms or parliaments. Anti-racism means standing shoulder to shoulder with those advocating for justice.

The Australian Human Rights Commission has developed a range of resources, including a conversation guide and Workplace Cultural Diversity Tool, to help people and organisations strengthen their understanding, and develop ways to address racism.

MDA is committed to learning more and taking action. Racial inequality affects all of us, directly or otherwise, and there is a role for us all to play in addressing it. This year’s Racism. It Stops With Me campaign aims to encourage allies to reflect on how racial inequality affects all of us, and take a stand against it. There is a role for everyone to play in addressing racism and begins by asking yourself the hard questions.

Want to help create a media that looks and sounds like Australia?

As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely on the help of our incredible volunteers. With your financial and volunteer support, we can continue to run programs to support culturally and linguistically diverse journalists, conduct agenda-setting research, run networking events, provide practical solutions for the media industry, and much more. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to support the vital work we do, please click here.

About us

Media Diversity Australia (MDA) is a national not-for-profit organisation led by journalists and media professionals. Australia is culturally and linguistically diverse, and our media should be too. Established in 2017, MDA has a unique role as a champion of cultural diversity in Australian journalism and news media. We have a vision for a media industry with full and equal participation for culturally diverse people at all levels.

Get in touch:

Newsletter

June 2022 Newsletter

Hi MDA readers, 

In this June newsletter, we spotlight the Ghanaian born, Mussellbrook raised journalist and author, Mawunyo Gbogbo who’s enthralling memoir, Hip Hop and Hymns, is a must-read! Calling all TV journalists, either on camera or off camera to help us out by completing a short anonymous research survey about representation in newsrooms. We bid farewell to our Amplifying Voices 2022 graduates as we celebrate their incredible transformation into confident spokespeople for their communities. We also introduce MDA’s 2022 chapter members, made up of journalists and media professionals across New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. We celebrate The Greatest Menace, an Audible podcast which this year took out the 2022 Media Diversity Australia Award at the Mid-Year Walkleys. And while you’re with us, take a look at our snaps from our ‘Without Fear and Favour’ forum on reporting on China which we held in partnership with the National Ethnic Multicultural Broadcasters’ Council. Oh! And if you like our work, please make a tax-deductible donation to Give Back Now! 

In this issue:

  • Spotlight on: Mawunyo Gbogbo, Journalist & Author of Hip Hop and Hymns
  • Calling all TV journalists: Whether you’re  in front of or behind the camera, we need your help: please fill in this anonymous survey about representation in your newsroom
  • 2022 Media Diversity Australia Award winner: ‘The Greatest Menace’, Award administered by the Walkley Foundation 
  • Amplifying Voices: A media training program for Muslim youth and community leaders. We congratulate our 2022 Graduates!
  • MDA Chapter Roles: Introducing the newest additions to the team of journalists joining our MDA chapter committees across Australia! 
  • Reporting on China – Without Fear or Favour: Our panel on the difficulties of reporting China and what journalists can do about it, hosted by the inimitable Stan Grant
  • GIVE BACK NOW: Support us with an end of financial year tax-free donation

Spotlight On: Mawunyo Gbogbo, Journalist & Author of Hip Hop and Hymns

Mawunyo Gbogbo
“
I want Australians to ask themselves the hard questions. Why do I see mostly white faces on the television when people like me exist? It’s not because we’re not talented. It’s not because we’re not interested in on air roles. It’s not because we’re not working our butts off to make it happen. It’s because of systemic and institutionalised racism and unconscious bias.
–Mawunyo Gbogbo, Journalist and Author 
”

Congratulations on your debut book, Hip Hop & Hymns! Your memoir has been described as a page turner and has deeply resonated with many. Can you tell us a bit about your book?

Thank you so much. I’m thrilled by the number of people who’ve told me they couldn’t put it down and were swept away by it. In a nutshell, it’s a memoir about race, identity, music and love. It’s a coming-of-age story about growing up Black in a country town in Australia and it’s also about some of the challenges I’ve faced trying to build a career in the media as a woman of colour. And it’s a tragic love story. So, a lot of things all rolled into one with music as its backdrop given the vital role music has played in my upbringing and throughout my life. 

Your book discusses some powerful themes and shines a light on important discourses that are not spoken about enough. What are some much needed conversations you hope take place as readers flip through the pages of your memoir?

I want Australians to ask themselves the hard questions. Why do I see mostly white faces on the television when people like me exist? It’s not because we’re not talented. It’s not because we’re not interested in on air roles. It’s not because we’re not working our butts off to make it happen. It’s because of systemic and institutionalised racism and unconscious bias. Another question I’d like people to ask themselves is – is the criminal justice system in Australia working? If the goal is reform, the answer would be no. Jailing 10-year-olds does nothing more than traumatise children and ultimately increase the likelihood that they’ll re-offend meaning you could be a victim of crime because recidivism rates are so high. I don’t have the answers. But I think we should be listening to people with lived experience in the criminal justice system and advocating for change.

You’ve had an interesting and impressive career progression. Can you tell us a bit about your journey till now?

I’m currently a music and pop culture reporter for Double J and ABC News. In this role, I write online articles and sometimes appear on telly or the radio to talk about these stories.

I have worked as a features reporter and producer for ABC Radio Sydney, as a journalist for ABC NewsRadio, a segment producer for the Today show on the Nine Network, and an associate producer for Insight on SBS TV, where I won a United Nations Association of Australia Media Peace Award for Increasing Awareness and Understanding of Children’s Rights and Issues.

I was also part of the ABC Regional and Local team who together with ABC News won a Walkley Award in 2020 for Coverage of a Major News Event or Issue for the ABC Bushfire Coverage.

The skills I’m most proud of include my killer writing skills – my colleagues at Nine used to say constantly “No one can write an intro like Marnie,” (they called me Marnie there) and my writing abilities are also highly valued in my current role. And I’m also adept at identifying and locating unique, interesting, and difficult to find talent. 

Our readers include young diverse journalists and reporters taking their first steps into the media industry. - As someone who has worked in the industry, what is one piece of advice you can offer them?

If I had my time again, I would pick an area and specialise in it early. I didn’t do that which means while my career has been interesting, I’ve been at the same level for many years, moving sideways into very different roles but not progressing up the ladder, so to speak. My advice would be to pick an area – if you’re interested in business – do that. If it’s arts and entertainment that floats your boat – stick with that. If it’s sport… you get my drift. Also, select a medium – TV, radio, magazines, online, or newspapers. Don’t do what I did and do absolutely everything, ‘cos 20 years on, you may still be a junior reporter.

Calling all TV journalists - Whether you're in front of or behind the camera, we need your help: please fill in this anonymous survey about representation in your newsroom

Led by experts from the University of Sydney, Deakin University, and UTS in collaboration with Media Diversity Australia, we invite you to complete the survey about representation in Australian newsrooms as a regular part of Australian media diversity practice. All information will remain anonymous and de-identified. The online survey takes no more than five minutes to complete. 

Our aim with this survey is to find out more about people working in television news and current affairs – whether on screen (presenter/reporter) or off screen (producer/ researcher/ camera operator/ editor/ graphics). 

So, if you or anyone you know works in television news and current affairs, we’d love to hear from you! Take this anonymous five minute survey NOW

TAKE THE SURVEY

Amplifying Voices: A media training program for Muslim youth and community leaders. We congratulate our 2022 Graduates!

Amplifying Voices 2022
“
Minority communities find themselves often thrown into the media spotlight out of the blue and often feel ill prepared and struggle to navigate the beast that is the media. The Amplifying Voices Program is designed to level that unequal playing field to ensure communities are well equipped with the skills, know-how, and connections to navigate their interactions with mainstream media and to engage proactively on their terms. Ultimately it also helps bridge the gap between community members and members of the media which is invaluable.
–Mariam Veiszadeh, CEO of Media Diversity Australia 
”

A huge CONGRATULATIONS to our Amplifying Voices 2022 Sydney graduates on successfully completing the media training program for Muslim youth, women, and religious leaders from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds.

The Amplifying Voices Program took place over five weeks (14th May – 11th June 2022) at the Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas. The purpose of the program was to build the capacity of delegates to engage with traditional Australian media and work on their skills as media spokespeople. We also wanted to strengthen their knowledge of how social media operates to better engage their audiences.

We began Amplifying Voices in 2021 and designed and delivered a program in collaboration with the Judith Neilson Institute of Journalism and Ideas. This year, we ran a refreshed version of the program, with a number of presentations, panels, and workshops. 

The sessions focused on promoting accurate information and better representation of the Muslim faith and community in Australia, including correcting misrepresentations. We want to to help improve the relationship between Muslim communities and media professionals. The participants spoke up about several significant challenges facing Australian Muslims. And pleasingly, their feedback about the program was overwhelmingly positive.

MDA Chapter Roles: Introducing the newest additions to the team of journalists joining our MDA committees across Australia!

A warm welcome to our 2022 MDA state chapter members across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria – some old and some new! Our members consist of  journalists and/or media professionals who mirror MDA’s vision and are passionate about creating long lasting impact when it comes to diversifying the media landscape.  

NSW Chapter members
New South Wales Chapter
Chair: Wenlei Ma 
Secretary: Farid Farid
Professional Development Officer: Kevin Nguyen
Professional Development Officer: Miguel D’souza             
Professional Development Officer: Mahnaz Angury
Professional Development Officer: Flip Prior
Stakeholder Relations & Events Officer: Kamin Gock
Stakeholder Relations & Events Officer: Kishor Napier-Raman
Indigenous Affairs Officer: Mikele Syron
Disability Affairs Officer: Briana Blackett
QLD Chapter members
Queensland Chapter
Chair: Dr Eduordo Jordan 
Secretary: Tricia Rivera
Disability Affairs Officer: Lisa Cox
Professional Development Officer : Faith Valencia-Forrester
Professional Development Officer : Audrey Courty 
Stakeholder Relations & Events Officer: Akashika Mohla
Indigenous Affairs Officer: VACANT seeking applicants 
VIC Chapter members
Victoria Chapter 
Co Chair: Nassim Khadem
Co Chair: Zena Chamas
Co Secretary: Jessica Swann
Co Secretary: Achol Arok 
Professional Development Officer: Usha Rodrigues
Professional Development Officer: Tito Ambyo
Stakeholder Relations & Events Officer: K.C.Boey 
Indigenous Affairs Officer: Madeline Hayman-Reber
Disability Affairs Officer: Alana Schetzer

‘The Greatest Menace’ wins 2022 Media Diversity Australia Award administered by the Walkley Foundation

2022 Media Diversity Award Australia winner

A huge congratulations to Patrick Abboud and Simon Cunich, who produced  “The Greatest Menance: Inside the Gay Prison Experiement, for ”Lockdown Productions and Audible. They won the 2022 Media Diversity Australia Award at the Mid-Year Walkleys on June 15th!

The judging panel – Rhanna Collins (NITV), Jeremey Fernadez, (presenter, ABC TV News) and  Zena Chamas (freelance journalist) said: “The Greatest Menace revisits rumours of a long-forgotten gay prison on the edges of an isolated town in alpine New South Wales. Patrick Abboud and Simon Cunich investigate what happens when prejudice, police cover-ups, and government-sponsored human experimentation collide with notions of sexuality, gender identity, cultural heritage, and faith. An exceptional piece of work.”

Media Diversity Australia CEO Mariam Veiszadeh, who presented the award, said, “Whose stories are told or not told, and how they are framed within the media landscape plays a significant role in how historically underrepresented groups are perceived in the broader community. This year’s winner  of the 2022 Media Diversity Australia Award administered by the Walkley Foundation, is an incredible example of a piece of work that does precisely that, as it holds a microscope to hidden prejudice and the dark and buried history of a long forgotten gay prison.”

Reporting on China - Without Fear or Favour: Our panel on the difficulties of reporting China and what journalists can do about it, hosted by the inimitable Stan Grant

China panel

Media Diversity Australia in partnership with the National Ethnic Multicultural Broadcasters’ Council held the Without Fear or Favour: Reporting on China forum at the Judith Neilson Institute on Monday, May 30. 

The panel discussed challenges faced by Chinese Australian journalists when reporting on China and deliberated on what media organisations do to ensure they can report without fear or favour. It was well received on social media too. Take a look at #reportingonchina 

The event was brilliantly moderated by Stan Grant with our fantastic line of panellists consisting of Mandi Wicks, News Director (SBS); Jennifer Hsu, Research Fellow (Lowy Institute); Songfa Lui, President (ICMS radio); and Echo Hui, Investigative journalist (ABC).

A big thank you to the MDA team for their hard work in bringing MDA founder, Isabel Lo’s vision to life! We look forward to having many more topical conversations like this in the future. 

Want to be notified next time MDA hosts an event? Email us your name, position, email and number at comms@mediadiversityaustralia.org and we will be sure to keep you updated on our upcoming events.

GIVE BACK NOW: Support us with an end of financial year tax-free donation

China panel

It’s time to GIVE BACK NOW  and become an active part of the change we want to see. MDA’s mission is to create a media landscape that looks and sounds like Australia. We have a vision for a media industry with full and equal participation for culturally diverse people at all levels.

MDA is a not-for-profit organisation run predominantly by journalists and media commentators. With your support, we 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.

We need your support to continue fighting for equal representation and make a real impact in the media landscape. 

Our mission is simple:
  • Setting the agenda: We advocate for the value of cultural diversity and the opportunity for change, so that diversity is recognised as essential to the media’s role and success.
  • Creating pathways: We deliver relevant, quality programs for media professionals to support their full and equal participation in the industry. Your donation will help us fund essential projects such as internships, fellowships, mentorships and secondments which will help educate and diversify Australia’s media landscape. 
  • Partnering for change: We are an honest partner for media organisations seeking to drive change, to support them to deliver on their commitments.

The choice is yours! Give Once or Give Regularly with a monthly, quarterly or yearly donation to ensure a longer term allyship with Media Diversity Australia. A regular monthly donation will support our work and our projects structurally!

Please make a tax-deductible donation today!

GIVE ONCE
GIVE REGULARLY

Want to help create a media that looks and sounds like Australia?

As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely on the help of our incredible volunteers. With your financial and volunteer support, we can continue to run programs to support culturally and linguistically diverse journalists, conduct agenda-setting research, run networking events, provide practical solutions for the media industry, and much more. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to support the vital work we do, please click here.

About us

Media Diversity Australia (MDA) is a national not-for-profit organisation led by journalists and media professionals. Australia is culturally and linguistically diverse, and our media should be too. Established in 2017, MDA has a unique role as a champion of cultural diversity in Australian journalism and news media. We have a vision for a media industry with full and equal participation for culturally diverse people at all levels.

Get in touch:

Newsletter

May 2022 Newsletter

Hi MDA readers, 

In our May newsletter, we put a timely spotlight on the CEO of the Centre of Multicultural Political Engagement, Literacy, and Leadership (COMPELL), Tharini Rowette, and unpack how media and political diversity is inter-related. Prominent lawyer, Maker Mayek joins the MDA Advisory Board. Register NOW for the upcoming Reporting on China panel event moderated by Stan Grant. Our Amplifying Voices 2022 media training program commenced last Saturday, May 14. You can view sessions 1 and 2 updates and you can also hear from our Political fellows at the Canberra press gallery. And finally, book now to attend our co-founder Antoinette Lattouf’s ‘How To Lose Friends and Influence White People’ book events in Melbourne and Brisbane.

In this issue:

  • Spotlight on: Tharini Rouwette, CEO of Centre of Multicultural Political Engagement, Literacy, and Leadership – media and political diversity
  • Board Update: Maker Mayek joins MDA Advisory board
  • Reporting on China Panel: RSVP Now!
  • Amplifying Voices 2022 Media training: Snaps from our workshops
  • Federal Election Political Fellowship: Update on our Fellows
  • “How To Lose Friends and Influence White People” by Antoinette Lattouf: Brisbane & Melbourne book events 

Spotlight On: Tharini Rouwette, CEO of Centre Of Multicultural Political Engagement, Literacy, and Leadership COMPELL

Tharini Rouwette
“
Our parliament is not representative of multicultural Australia, hence why we need diversity in parliament and also to normalise people of colour in leadership role
-Tharini Rouwette, CEO of COMPELL
”

We’ve seen an extraordinary influx of First Nations and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) first time federal candidates elected in this year’s federal election. These candidates have secured victories not only for their electorates and states but for their broader communities who will now see themselves reflected in Australian politics like never before. We know that diversity within the political sphere is a positive step in the right direction to encourage similar diversity within our media ranks.We put a timely spotlight on Tharini Rouwette who is seeking to diversify Australian politics.  

You are the CEO and founder of COMPELL’s (Colour and Centre Of Multicultural Political Engagement, Literacy, and Leadership) parent company, ‘Allies in Colour’, an organisation dedicated to advancing multicultural Australia in jobs, business, and politics. Why did you form Allies in Colour and COMPELL?

Over the last decade, prior to forming my organisation, I volunteered my time and energy campaigning on various issues impacting marginalised communities. Impacting a small group of people was no longer satisfactory for me and I wanted to do something big that would positively impact the lives of bigger groups of marginalised communities in Australia. This is why I formed Allies in Colour and COMPELL.

At a professional level, I hail from a strong media and tech background having worked in a digital media capacity with companies such as Amazon, Adobe, Singtel/Optus and Google. At a personal level, I used my skills to campaign for political parties and grassroot organisations across Singapore, US and Australia. As an experienced political campaigner, I have worked on campaigns the likes of Bernie Sanders’ in America where I managed a 500-strong volunteer team to campaign for the 2020 presidential candidate all the way from Australia.

You have collated data about the cultural diversity of Australia’s Parliamentarians. Why is it imperative that we see more diversity in the Australian parliament?

Our parliament is not representative of multicultural Australia, hence why we need diversity in parliament and also to normalise people of colour in leadership roles. There’s about 4% of people of colour in parliament today (prior to the recent Federal election) which is hardly reflective of the Australian population that is increasingly becoming multicultural. The information collected, together with my follow-up surveys/interviews will hopefully be the beginning of a long journey towards collecting information that will inform us as to what we need to do to get more people of colour elected in government. 

As a daughter of migrants and coming from a multicultural background, I’m always identifying ways to improve outcomes for multicultural Australia through brave and innovative ideas.

Do you think that media diversity impacts political diversity?

I’ve got no doubt that there’s a significant relationship between lack of media diversity and lack of representation in politics. For instance,  the lack of Australian Chinese candidates running in this federal election could potentially be directly related to the anti- Chinese sentiment perpetuated by influential, non-diverse journalists/political commentators, towards the Australian Chinese community. 

Board Update: Maker Mayek joins MDA Advisory Board

New Advisory Board Member, Maker Mayek

A big congratulations to prominent lawyer, Maker Mayek on joining MDA’s Advisory Board alongside Stan Grant, Waleed Aly, Director of Indigenous Content at SBS Tanya Denning Orman, former Race Discrimination Commissioner Tim Soutphommasane, Hugh Riminton, academic Monica Attard, distinguished lawyer Katrina Rathie, CEO of MultiConnexions Sheba Nandkeolyar and philanthropist Talal Yassine.

Maker is a practicing lawyer, enrolled in the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory and High Court of Australia, and a passionate community advocate.  Currently, he is the Principal Solicitor and Director of Mayek Legal, Barristers & Solicitors and a board member of the Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils’ of Australia, and the Chair of its New and Emerging Communities committee. 

He was a former board member of the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria; and a former editor and board member of the Journal of Politics and Law, an international journal dedicated to promoting academic exchange in the field of politics and law. Mayek was also a recipient of the 2020 Victorian Government’s African Board and Governance Scholarship. 

For more information on our Advisory Board visit MDA’s website- https://www.mediadiversityaustralia.org/about/advisory-board/

Reporting on China Panel: RSVP Now!

Reporting On China Panel Event

Without Fear or Favour: how Chinese Australian journalists can cover China safely and fairly – Panel event hosted by Stan Grant. 

China’s geopolitics, human rights record, COVID-19 handling and perceived influence on Australia are dominant news topics. Journalists and media commentators, particularly those of Chinese heritage, often fear repercussions from Chinese authorities or their supporters. Newsrooms also often struggle with balance and nuance, such as the very different opinions and culture of their Chinese audiences – at least those that are engaged with mainstream news. 

The resulting self-censorship, limited contacts and cultural understanding affects reporting quality. This then shapes the engagement by the Chinese community with Australian media – and Australia as a whole. 

Media Diversity Australia in partnership with the National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters’ Council, NEMBC are excited to present Without fear or favour: Challenges of reporting on China. This is a must-attend event for any watcher of China, its relationship with Australia,  balance, and multiculturalism. 

The panelists include Mandi Wicks (News Director, SBS), Jennifer Hsu (Research Fellow, Lowy Institute), Echo Hui (Investigative Journalist, ABC), and Songfa Liu (NEMBC member & President ICMS). 

Want to attend this event on Monday, 30th May 2022?

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/without-fear-or-favour-challenges-of-reporting-on-china-registration-331576192317 

Amplifying Voices 2022 Media training: Snaps from our workshops

Amplifying Voices Session 1
“
The Amplifying Voices media training provides participants with direct access to invaluable and unique insights from industry insiders that have decades of experience. Most critically, the facilitators understand the unique issues that come with media reporting and representation of people from culturally and religiously diverse backgrounds.” 
– Ahmed Kilani, Muslim Chaplain
Department of Justice NSW
”

Established in 2021, Amplifying Voices is a media training program designed for diverse leaders in Australian communities; young people, women, and people from diverse and ethnic backgrounds. This year’s program is focused on building the capacity of delegates from the Australian Muslim community to engage with traditional Australian media, and enhance their skills as media spokespeople. 

The program includes a series of workshops which empower delegates with the knowledge and practical skills they need to be impactful representatives in, and for, their community.

Project Manager, Dania Roumieh says that “Amplifying Voices has provided an enriching opportunity to individuals of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities who have a strong interest in diversifying our Australian media. After our first session, our selected participants had really positive feedback about the sessions and loved being able to meet and engage with  an elite group of industry insiders. “

The first session of Amplifying Voices 2022 was held on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at the Judith Neilson Institute with 20 participants present. 

Amplifying Voices 2022, Session 1: The News Process

Walking the tightrope: Being a Muslim media commentator, presented by MDA CEO, Mariam Veiszadeh 

Legal Training presented by professional media lawyer, Lesley Power, offering tips and informative pointers on topics surrounding defamation and libel.

A Day In the Life of a Reporter panel moderated by MDA’s Director of Special Projects, Simone Amelia Jordan. The panellists included Rayane Tamer, SBS News Digital Journalist; Emily Feszcuk, Journalist at The Western Weekender and Daniel Sutton, Senior Journalist with Network 10. 

Amplifying Voices Session 2

Amplifying Voices 2022, Session 2: Islam and The Media

The second session of Amplifying Voices 2022 was held on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at the Judith Neilson Institute with 20 participants present. 

What The Data Tells Us presented by Stijn Denayer, CEO of All Together Now

Is Islam Misrepresented, Or Does Islam Misrepresent Itself? Presented by Mariam Veiszadeh, CEO of MDA 

How Religious Leaders Respond panel moderated by MDA’s CEO and community leader, Mariam Veiszadeh. The panellists included Maha Abdo, CEO of Muslims Womens Association; Ahmed Kilani, Muslim Chaplain and Sheikh Wesam Charkawi, Abu Hanifa Institute. 

Follow Media Diversity Australia on Twitter and Instagram for live updates on the upcoming Amplifying Voices 2022 sessions.

Federal Election Political Fellowship: Update on our Fellows

Federal Election Political Fellowships

Huge congratulations to all first time federal candidates from First Nations and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds who have secured victories this election👏🏽

Follow MDA as we seek to do the same for Australian media!

Our Federal Election Political 2022 Fellows have successfully completed their fellowships! We are so proud of them. We hope the MDA political fellowship program becomes a regular fixture and helps pave a way for political reporting to become as diverse as the people who consume it.

Let’s hear from our political fellows, Katherine Wong (Sydney Morning Herald), Khaled Al Khawaldeh (The Guardian) and Famida Rahman (AAP). 

 
Why is it important to diversify the Press Gallery?

Katherine Wong- The Canberra Press Gallery is the main stage for journalists to question politicians on issues that matter to their constituents. As electorates across Australia become more culturally and linguistically diverse, we need diverse journalists in the Press Gallery to platform the concerns of diverse Australians. 

Khaled Al Khawaldeh- Like everything in life, politics is observed and relayed to audiences through the lens of the observer. The observer in this case is the press gallery journo and the lens is their world view as dictated by their upbringing, surroundings and experiences. By only having people with very similar lenses in the press gallery we risk the chance of missing vital angles and stories and we reduce the nuance of our national dialogue.

Famida Rahman- It is important to diversify the Canberra Press Gallery to capture broader perspectives in the coverage of Australian Federal politics. As diversity and multiculturalism continues to grow in Australia, it is important for it to be reflected and represented in an institution that plays an essential role in Australian democracy. 

 
Which Australian political journalist do you admire?

Katherine Wong- I admire Amy Remeikis for her passion and tenacity. Her coverage of women’s issues was groundbreaking, thorough, and has had an immense impact on Australian politics. 

Khaled Al Khawaldeh- Katherine Murphy, I admire her writing style greatly, the ability to be scathing and charming at the same time. I also think she has a real grip on the issues and is fearless in talking about them.

Famida Rahman- I really admire the accuracy and objectivity with which Katharine Murphy from the Guardian.As a journalist with over 2 decades of experience in the Canberra Press Gallery, and a background in the Australian Public Service, I have a great deal of respect for her work. 

 
What does Media Diversity Australia’s mission mean to you?

Katherine Wong- Media Diversity Australia’s mission means improving representation in news media so all Australians feel seen and heard. It allows diverse journalists to air their communities’ concerns, highlight their wins, and show off their cultures. It means pulling the Australian media space into the modern day, and forcing it to acknowledge the people it once ignored and undermined.

Khaled Al Khawaldeh- It means a chance to change Australia for the better. To move the country beyond its entrenched colonial mindset by facilitating a new national

 image of what it means to be Australian.

Famida Rahman- Navigating the academic and professional world as a young person from a culturally diverse background can be challenging. Media Diversity Australia and its mission has given me the opportunity to continue exploring who I am and where I fit professionally, in a way that embraces and celebrates my background.

For more information on our political fellows and regular updates on the Federal Election Political Fellowship follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin. 

“How To Lose Friends and Influence White People” by Antoinette Lattouf: Brisbane & Melbourne book launch events

“How To Lose Friends and Influence White People” Book launch events

Award-winning journalist and MDA Co-founder Antoinette Lattouf’s debut book ‘How to Lose Friends and Influence White People’ puts a microscope to the actions of those in a position of influence and holds them accountable while examining what happens to those that dare to challenge white institutions of power. 

Lattouf cares deeply about being part of the solution to this problem, and uses warmth, humour, and research to provide evidence-based and practical solutions that can be put into practice by anyone – from a seasoned academic who is a person of colour, through to a suburban white teenage girl.

Attend Antoinette Lattouf’s upcoming book events: 
  • Antoinette Lattouf in conversation with Indigenous media personality Shelley Ware and comedian Nazeem Hussain in Melbourne on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at 6:30pm. Location: Readings, Hawthorn (Melbourne).

Book here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=889479& 

  • Antoinette Lattouf in conversation Indigenous lawyer Eddie Synot and Seven news presenter Katrina Blowers in Brisbane on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at 6:30pm. Location: Avid Reader, West End (Brisbane).

Book here: https://avidreader.com.au/events/antoinette-lattouf-how-to-lose-friends-and-influence-white-people 

Purchase the book here:

Buy now

Want to help create a media that looks and sounds like Australia?

As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely on the help of our incredible volunteers. With your financial and volunteer support, we can continue to run programs to support culturally and linguistically diverse journalists, conduct agenda-setting research, run networking events, provide practical solutions for the media industry, and much more. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to support the vital work we do, please click here.

About us

Media Diversity Australia (MDA) is a national not-for-profit organisation led by journalists and media professionals. Australia is culturally and linguistically diverse, and our media should be too. Established in 2017, MDA has a unique role as a champion of cultural diversity in Australian journalism and news media. We have a vision for a media industry with full and equal participation for culturally diverse people at all levels.

Get in touch:

Newsletter

April 2022 Newsletter

Hi MDA supporters, 

In this month’s newsletter, in celebration of the first Asian-Australian woman being appointed to the board of an Australian media organisation we put the spotlight on Katrina Rathie, non-executive Director to Special Broadcasting Service. Find launch details and link to purchase MDA Co-founder Antoinette Lattouf’s book How to Lose Friends and Influence White People. We also introduce our upcoming event ‘Without Fear or Favour: How Chinese Australian journalists can cover China safely and fairly’ hosted by Stan Grant. Apply now for MDA’s voluntary Chapter Roles in NSW, VIC and QLD. And finally, meet the mentors for our Women of Colour Mentorship Program.  

In this issue:

  • Spotlight On: Katrina Rathie, the first Asian Australian woman appointed to the Board of an Australian media organisation (SBS)
  • How to Lose Friends and Influence White People: Antoinette Lattouf’s book launch 
  • Without Fear or Favour: How Chinese Australian journalists can cover China safely and fairly
  • MDA Chapter Roles: Job opportunities
  • Women Of Colour Mentorship: Meet the Mentors!

Spotlight On: Katrina Rathie, the first Asian Australian woman appointed to the Board of an Australian media organisation (SBS)

Katrina Rathie, non-executive Director to Special Broadcasting Service
“

I am still the only Asian-Australian to have the privilege of leading a top-tier legal firm in Australia.

”

What does your new role as a non-executive Director to the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Board involve?

I am very excited about my new role as a Non-Executive Director of SBS.  The appointment was made on 31 March 2022 by the Governor-General on the recommendation of The Hon Paul Fletcher, the Minister of Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities & the Arts, and the Morrison Government.

 The role of the Board is to decide the objectives, strategies, and policies to be followed by SBS and to ensure that SBS performs its functions in a proper, efficient, and economical manner and with the maximum benefit to the people of Australia.

As the first Asian Australian woman appointed to the Board of an Australian media organisation (SBS), what are some diversity related issues you hope to address?

SBS is usually considered the gold standard when it comes to diversity in the media, but like everything, there’s always room for improvement. I come as a new independent director with fresh eyes and an open mindset.  My 5 years on the Advisory Board of MDA have helped me think deeply about diversity issues in the media.  As the Australian-born daughter of immigrants, I have lived and learned experiences that I hope to bring to the Board table.  I do think that we need to tackle the issue of cultural diversity and racism gently but effectively.

I’d like to see more local stories told about our Indigenous community explaining our history in their words, the importance of the Uluru Statement of the Heart and voice, stories showing diverse women succeeding in sport, stories about migrants who are innovating and running successful businesses, more profiles on our most successful multi-cultural role models and business leaders.

From lawyer at international law firm King & Wood Mallesons to the first Asian Australian woman appointed to the Board of an Australian media organisation, can you tell us a bit about your journey till now?

My parents lived in a house next door to the late Kerry Packer – he used to fly the Channel 9 helicopter from Park Street or Palm Beach and land in the backyard next door while I was studying.  There were always journalists, television presenters, cricketers, celebrities, and politicians around.  The world of television, newspapers, and magazines seemed so incredibly glamorous to me.  I dreamed of being a journalist, but Kerry Packer and my Chinese-born father encouraged me to study law.  You know the old story of Asian immigrant parents wanting their children to be doctors, lawyers, and professionals.  That was me.  

I enrolled in Commerce/Law at UNSW Sydney.I won the UNSW Media Law Prize for best student in media law.  From there, I went on to work at Stephen Jaques, which became Mallesons Stephen Jaques then King & Wood Mallesons.  At the time, I was the first female Asian-Australian to work at an establishment law firm.  

In the late 80s, I did the New York Bar and worked for an advertising and media law firm, representing ABC, HBO, and many fabulously creative agencies in a world like Mad Men.  After meeting my Australian husband at a New York Met’s game, we returned to Australia and I became the legal columnist for B&T Magazine and started the climb to law firm partnership.

I became a partner at the firm, a position that I held for 25 years, including the last 7 as Partner in Charge of Sydney.  I am still the only Asian-Australian to have the privilege of leading a top-tier legal firm in Australia. 

 Throughout my career, I have been a strong advocate and role model for gender and cultural diversity including serving on  the Advisory Board of Media Diversity Australia and NSW Law Society Diversity & Inclusion Committee.  I am the NSW Patron of the NSW Asian Australian Lawyers Association, a Judge of the 40 under 40 Asian-Australian Awards, and I sit on the Culture Strategy Committee of Sydney University and the Law Advisory Committee at UNSW Law & Justice.

Our readers include young diverse journalists and lawyers - can you offer them some advice as they take their first steps into the industry?

If you follow and be guided by your passion and purpose, you will be happy.  I have ended up being selected for the SBS board because it combines my passion for multiculturalism, media, broadcasting, and digital communications with my skills in law, business, leadership, and governance.  It’s a beautiful fit.

 To the lawyers, whenever you write something be it an email to a client, a formal cease and desist letter to the other side, an affidavit, or a submission for Court, my litmus test has always been “Would I be proud of what I have written if it ends up on the front page of the Sydney Morning Herald tomorrow morning?”  This test has rarely failed me.  If you doubt it, keep it in your drafts box and look at it again in the morning.

To the journalists, storytelling is an amazing super-power. Journalism is a courageous and important profession, tell those great stories well and call things out.  In investigative journalism, facts, truth, authenticity, and compassion really matter.  But always have fun with it – journalism should both educate and entertain.  

How to Lose Friends and Influence White People: Antoinette Lattouf’s book launch

How to Lose Friends and Influence White People by Antoinette Lattouf
“
This is arms in the air, squeal in delight reading! Anyone who’s felt the scourge of discrimination is vindicated by the home truths delivered page after page. Antoinette fearlessly uses lived experience, real time Australian examples, expert opinion & irrefutable research to  deliver tools for change.
– Narelda Jacobs 
”

A guide through the balancing act of activist, advocate, and ally, remembering that just because others are learning you don’t need to be the teacher, from our very own -the dynamic and sharp co-founder of Media Diversity Australia, Antoinette Lattouf.

For those of you who are not familiar with the journey of how MDA was founded, parts of the book are dedicated to telling the story! It is a ground-breaking and honest exploration of the modern manifestations of systemic racism in Australia today, and how we, as a collective, can take steps to make change. 

Antoinette Lattouf puts a microscope to the actions of those in a position of influence and holds them accountable while examining what happens to those that dare to challenge white institutions of power. 

Antoinette’s protein shake  for advocacy: 

  • 1 generous scoop of measured  optimism 
  • 3 heaped tablespoons of evidence-based advocacy methods  
  • 2 cups of community support, ½ a cup of self-reflection and growth,  100g of self-care 
  • A pinch of humour 
Link to purchase: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/how-to-lose-friends-and-influence-white-people-9781761044007#:~:text=Poignant%2C%20inspiring%2C%20funny%20and%20most,you’re%20trying%20to%20influence.

Without fear or favour: how Chinese Australian journalists can cover China safely and fairly

Without Fear or Favour: How Chinese Australian journalists can cover China safely and fairly

Without Fear or Favour: how Chinese Australian journalists can cover China safely and fairly. Hosted by Stan Grant, the live event will examine two challenging issues: (1) How Chinese background journalists can cover China-Australia relations given the perceived and real threats of reprisals or attacks on their China-based family or themselves, and (2) How newsrooms can cover China in a way that engages a Chinese diaspora that often have very different opinions on their country of heritage.

The panel on Australian media coverage of China will be held on Tuesday, 31st May 2022 at the Judith Nielsen Institute.

The panelists include Mandi Wicks (News Director, SBS), Jennifer Hsu (Research Fellow, Lowy Institute), Echo Hui (Investigative Journalist, ABC), and Songfa Liu (NEMBC member & President ICMS). 

Want to attend the event, Without fear or favour: how Chinese Australian journalists can cover China safely and fairly on 31st May 2022?

Email us at comms@mediadiversityaustralia.org to be added to the invitee list. Please include your preferred name, number, email address and occupation in the body of the email.

Job Opportunities: MDA Chapter Roles

MDA Chapter Job Ad
MDA Chapter Job Vacancy
Media Diversity Australia is a nationwide not-for-profit organisation run by journalists and communication professionals. Established in 2017, MDA has a unique role as a champion of cultural diversity in Australian journalism and news media.

QUEENSLAND

Indigenous Affairs Officer to join our Queensland Chapter.

In this voluntary role, you will attend a one-hour meeting each quarter, be available for MDA mentoring when called upon, have the willingness and availability to engage in ad hoc, paid consultancy work (e.g. sharing insight with organisations about matters relating to First Nations issues) and participate in one state-driven initiative per year.

This position will suit an active and experienced reporter or communications professional with a demonstrated understanding of the issues and events that affect First Nations people, a strong network of contacts within First Nations communities across Australia, and an understanding of cultural protocols.

 ———————————————————————————————————————————————————–

VICTORIA

Disability Affairs Officer to join our Victoria Chapter.

In this voluntary role, you will attend a one-hour meeting each quarter, be available for MDA mentoring when called upon, have the willingness and availability to engage in ad hoc paid consultancy work, and participate in one state-driven initiative per year.

This position will suit an active and experienced reporter or communications professional with a demonstrated understanding of the issues and events that affect persons living with a disability. You should be committed to changing the representation of disability across mainstream media given how influential the industry is in shaping social attitudes.

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NEW SOUTH WALES 

Secretary to join our New South Wales Chapter.

In this voluntary role, you will attend a one-hour meeting each quarter, be available for MDA mentoring when called upon, have the willingness and availability to engage in ad hoc paid consultancy work and participate in one state-driven initiative per year.

This position will suit an active and experienced reporter or communications professional who is well-organised and will arrange monthly meetings, send out agendas and take minutes.

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Events Coordinator to join our New South Wales Chapter.

In this voluntary role, you will attend a one-hour meeting each quarter, oversee at least three networking events per year in your state, be available for MDA mentoring when called upon, have the willingness and availability to engage in ad hoc, paid consultancy work and participate in one state-driven initiative per year.

This position will suit an active and experienced reporter or communications professional with a solid roster of industry contacts and a useful amount of, or desire to learn, event planning experience.

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Indigenous Affairs Officer to join our New South Wales Chapter.

In this voluntary role, you will attend a one-hour meeting each quarter, be available for MDA mentoring when called upon, have the willingness and availability to engage in ad hoc, paid consultancy work and participate in one state-driven initiative per year.

This position will suit an active and experienced reporter with a demonstrated understanding of the issues and events that affect First Nations people, as well as a strong network of contacts within First Nations communities across Australia and an understanding of cultural protocols.

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APPLICATION DETAILS:

To apply for any of the above positions, please send your resumé and in the body of your email, outline your motivation for applying for the role, why you think you are suitable and why Media Diversity Australia’s mission aligns with your own.

Send your applications to simone@mediadiversityaustralia.org

Women of Colour Mentorship: Meet the Mentors!

Women Of Colour: Mentor Lineup

The Women of Colour Mentorships in partnership with Crescent Foundation, University of Melbourne, and Monash University, is designed to empower First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse women journalists and provide them with the requisite knowledge and skills to navigate climbing the ranks of editorial leadership.

The MENTORS for the Women Of Colour Mentorship Program are as follows: 

  • Rhanna Collins (Head Of Indigenous News and Current Affairs, NITV) 
  • Bernadine Lim (Commissioning Editor, Documentaries, SBS)
  • Uma Patel (Google News Lab Lead, Australia & New Zealand)
  • Antoinette Lattouf (Journalist/Author)
  • Paula Kruger (Talent Manager, ABC)
  • Mibenge Nsenduluka (Journalist/Author)

Mentorships will take place with one mentor connected to one media outlet for the duration of the placement. Once accepted, each applicant will be matched with the right Mentor.

Are you an EARLY to MID career First Nations or culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) journalist interested in being mentored by senior women in media as you progress into a leadership role? Join our Women Of Colour mentorship program and get a chance to train under these brilliant mentors! 

Entries close on May 11th, 2022, 5pm. 

Send your mentee applications to MDA’s Director of Special Projects, Simone Amelia Jordan at  simone@mediadiversityaustralia.org 

More info about the program here: https://www.mediadiversityaustralia.org/opportunities/

Want to help create a media that looks and sounds like Australia?

As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely on the help of our incredible volunteers. With your financial and volunteer support, we can continue to run programs to support culturally and linguistically diverse journalists, conduct agenda-setting research, run networking events, provide practical solutions for the media industry, and much more. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to support the vital work we do, please click here.

About us

Media Diversity Australia (MDA) is a national not-for-profit organisation led by journalists and media professionals. Australia is culturally and linguistically diverse, and our media should be too. Established in 2017, MDA has a unique role as a champion of cultural diversity in Australian journalism and news media. We have a vision for a media industry with full and equal participation for culturally diverse people at all levels.

Get in touch:

Newsletter

March 2022 Newsletter

Hi MDA supporters, 

In our March newsletter, we put the spotlight on MDA’s new project manager, Dania Roumieh. Applications are now open for MDA’s Women of Colour Mentorships in partnership with Crescent Foundation, University of Melbourne, and Monash University. Additionally, entries for the MDA Award at the mid-year Walkleys are open. ENTER NOW to be in the running! Catch a sneak peak behind the scenes of Community Voices Melbourne 2022. We also introduce our upcoming #BeingAnAlly campaign, as a follow-up to our hugely successful #ThingsIveHeard campaign. And finally, in honour of International Women’s Day, we present to you MDA Impact: IWD Edition. 

In this issue:

  • Spotlight on: Dania Roumieh, MDA’s New Project Manager
  • Women Of Colour Mentorships: Apply now!
  • MDA Award at mid-year Walkleys: Entries are open.
  • Community Voices Melbourne: Behind the scenes.
  • #BeingAnAlly: A follow up to our #ThingsIveHeard campaign
  • MDA Impact: International Women’s Day Edition

Spotlight On: Dania Roumieh,MDA's Project Manager

Dania Roumieh
“

Media Diversity is the acknowledgment and acceptance of sharing the media stage with those who are from multiple diverse religions, ethnicities, and minority groups who all have authentic stories to share.

”

What does your role as MDA’s project manager consist of?

Working as a project manager at Media Diversity Australia involves having a positive attitude and ideas, which adds to the excitement of working with an innovative team. When I have a team that really supports me in what I do and what I’m passionate about, it makes my job so much more achievable. As a project manager, I’m a visionary with endless ideas that I aspire to bring to life and there’s always a starting point. As a project manager of amplifying voices, I’m excited to strengthen our diverse communities to develop a stronger relationship with the media and stakeholders. This requires a strong contribution to purposeful conversations and engaging with highly accomplished industry professionals. In my position, I oversee a project that aims to diversify our Australian media and provide opportunities to future generations to enrich the experience of the audience.  

What were some of the areas you delved into before joining MDA?

Prior to joining Media Diversity Australia, I was thoroughly exploring other areas of media, and promoting diverse voices. It started at Western Sydney University when I was elected as a Student Editor and member of the Publication Committee. Here, I initiated and founded ‘Humans of Western Sydney University’, which promotes and showcases a diverse collection of unique stories shared by students, and which has now become a permanent feature of the editorial column. I am also on the advisory for the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) as the Media and Youth Affairs Advisor, simultaneously while freelancing pieces to publish alongside my other publications with ABC Religion & Ethics, AMUST, and many more. 

And finally, what does Media Diversity mean to you?

First and foremost, from my diverse perspective, Media diversity is the essence of formulating exposure and increasing visibility of minority and Culturally and Linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in Australian media. It’s the acknowledgement and acceptance of sharing the media stage with  those who are from multiple diverse religions, ethnicities and minority groups who all share authentic stories to share. It is unfortunate that people from various faiths and communities are underrepresented in a multicultural country, and that newly established journalists are challenged with landing positions in Australian media. It is vital that our media facilitates and enhances the connection between the diverse communities and individuals across the Australian landscape. 

WOC Mentorships: Apply now!

Women of Colour Mentorship Program

MDA is launching the Women of Colour Mentorship Program supported and funded by the Crescent Foundation to empower female journalists from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds to attain leadership positions in Australian media.

The mentorship program, with Monash University and University of Melbourne as partners, is designed to address the obvious lack of women in senior decision-making roles in the Australian media.

MDA will select 12 mid-career, women journalists of First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to take part in the mentoring program. Over 12 months, each mentee will be paired with an established media professional and receive in-person and online sessions to build their skills in leadership, presentation, compelling storytelling, and career development.

The Mentorships are scheduled to commence in mid-2022. Applications OPENED on Friday, March 4, 2022, at 9 am AEDT and will CLOSE on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at 5 pm AEST. 

View application details and full description here. 

Applicants can apply by emailing MDA’s Director of Special Projects, Simone Jordan at simone@mediadiversityaustralia.org 

MDA Award at mid-year walkleys: Entries are open!

MDA Award at mid-year Walkley

Entries are OPEN for the Media Diversity Australia Award administered by The Walkley Foundation!

The Media Diversity Australia Award honours journalists who are making an outstanding contribution through their reporting or coverage of diverse people or issues in Australia. This includes culturally and linguistically diverse communities (CALD) and people with disability (PWD). 

It celebrates reporting that demonstrates notable courage in raising awareness of CALD and/or PWD experiences and perspectives, as well as innovation in the telling of these stories. It recognises the significance of media coverage in providing nuanced reporting that serves to alter perceptions and attitudes, challenge stereotypes and fight misinformation.

Submissions are open to all journalists working in mainstream, community or alternative media, as individuals or in collaboration with others. Eligibility for the Media Diversity Australia award is based on independent acts of journalism, free from any commercial or corporate interests.

Enter NOW to be in the running! – https://www.mediadiversityaustralia.org/about/awards/

Community Voices Melbourne: Behind the scenes!

Community Voices Melbourne
“
“We were able to witness the incredible confidence and empowerment the program instilled in all of the participants last year and are delighted to be able to work with the Melbourne cohort this year.” 
-Mariam Veiszadeh

CEO Media Diversity Australia

 

”

Community Voices Melbourne has kicked off! The inaugural Community Voices program in Sydney in 2021 exceeded all our expectations. MDA in partnership with The Judith Neilson Institute is thrilled to introduce the program to Melbourne this year. You can find a complete list of the 2022 Community Voices participants here. 

The participants in the program’s Melbourne cohort heard from and dined with NINE newspapers editor David King, Network Ten VIC news director Nicole Strahan, and ABC VIC deputy news director Joanna McCarthy. 

Read more about Community Voices 2022 here. 

#BeingAnAlly: A follow up to our #ThingsIveHeard campaign

#BeingAnAlly
“

“Whether you’re in the whirlpool of overt racism or the subject of regular micro aggressions, there’s nothing more important than knowing there are people who see you and how you feel. Being an ally needs to become an honour and a privilege for every Australian who is in the envious position of not experiencing racism – and any other -ism that seeks to denigrate and humiliate” 

– Monica Attard (Journalist, co director UTS Centre for Media Transition and Ally)

”

Last month we launched #ThingsIveHeard, a social media campaign that unearthed the many microaggressions that diverse journalists and commentators often endure in a media landscape setting. We received over 140 stories from culturally and linguistically diverse journos and media commentators sharing their experiences of workplace microaggressions that sting. 

You can find these stories under the #ThingsIveHeard hashtag on Twitter. 

As a natural follow-up to this campaign, MDA is now launching #BeingAnAlly which we hope will showcase the untold stories of media allies who support diverse journalists and commentators. This could be an incident they recall, commentary, or an observation. Reading such stories can be comforting for all of us who have felt a level of isolation at times within the media landscape and a source of encouragement to others to be active in their allyship.  

If you are an ally, please share your comments and stories with us – using the #BeingAnAlly hashtag and tagging @MediaDiverseAU on Twitter, Facebook & Linkedin. We really want to hear from you.

MDA Impact: International Women’s Day Edition

What does this year’s IWD theme #BreaktheBias mean to you? 

“It means ensuring when we approach bias and try to challenge systemic barriers, we’re not only doing it for women that look and sound like us. It’s very easy for these conversations to just be about a certain type of woman from a certain type of background in a certain type of environment. So for me, breaking the bias means that we ensure that we look at all women.” 

-Antoinette Lattouf 

Co-founder Media Diversity Australia

To mark the 2022 International Women’s Day, we were out and about. Here is some of what we did: 

  • MDA’s Co-founder Antoinette Lattouf spoke at the Women of Influence event in Brisbane on International Women’s Day. 
  • MDA in partnership with Crescent Foundation, University of Melbourne, and Monash University launched Women of Colour mentorships as a response to the dramatic lack of women in Australian media senior decision-making roles (Application details above, apply now!).
  • MDA’s CEO Mariam Veizadehwas invited to speak at the Future Women’s Forum in Sydney and delivered a keynote to Canberra’s Multicultural Women’s Forum. 
  • Mariam was also on a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees panel 

Want to help create a media that looks and sounds like Australia?

As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely on the help of our incredible volunteers. With your financial and volunteer support, we can continue to run programs to support culturally and linguistically diverse journalists, conduct agenda-setting research, run networking events, provide practical solutions for the media industry, and much more. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to support the vital work we do, please click here.

About us

Media Diversity Australia (MDA) is a national not-for-profit organisation led by journalists and media professionals. Australia is culturally and linguistically diverse, and our media should be too. Established in 2017, MDA has a unique role as a champion of cultural diversity in Australian journalism and news media. We have a vision for a media industry with full and equal participation for culturally diverse people at all levels.

Get in touch: