February 2022 Newsletter

Hi MDA supporters,

This month, we put the spotlight on Rashell Habib, the first woman of colour in a director role in Australian television. Rashell is the head of Digital News and Strategy at Viacom/CBS. We are also delighted to announce the 13 Community Voices participants in Melbourne. Our CEO, Mariam Veiszadeh will be at our upcoming networking event in Canberra, so please come along if you can. Ever wondered what a day in the life of an MDA intern looks like? Angela Ho at 10 First News shares her daily routine with us! The Jessie Cox Audio Fellowship applications are now open. And finally, catch up on what MDA has been doing so far this year!

In this issue:

Spotlight On: Rashell Habib, the first woman of colour in a director role in Australian television.
Community Voices Melbourne: Announcing the 13 participants winners
A Day in the Life of a MDA intern: Angela Ho at 10 News First Perth
MDA’s Canberra Networking event: RSVP now
Jessie Cox Audio Fellowship: Apply now!
MDA Impact: Our progress so far (2022 edition)

Spotlight On: Rashell Habib, the first woman of colour in a director role in Australian television.

“

It is a much tougher industry for women and women of colour, but don’t let either label identify you entirely- they are an important part of who you are but you are still forming who you are.

”

Can you give us a run-through of your career to date and a brief overview of your current role?

I started off as a cadet journalist for a local newspaper over 15 years ago, I am a print refugee, I then worked on multiple publications before moving into social and digital as news.com.au’s first social media editor. From there I moved to Netflix, before becoming news editor at 10 daily then social and digital editor for 10 news and now Head of Digital News & Strategy.

My role at the moment is a combination of content and diversifying news delivery to Australians.

As the first woman of colour in a director role in Australian television, what advice do you have for other women of colour who look up to you?

Honestly, it is a much tougher industry for women and women of colour, but don’t let either label identify you entirely- they are an important part of who you are but you are still forming who you are. Always strive to be the best at what you do, not the best woman, not the best person of colour, the best

The media landscape is constantly evolving, what are some issues that you would like to see the next wave of journalists addressing?

I think looking at helping younger audiences digest news and events without the use of sensationalism and talking down to audiences. At the moment publications use clickbait, celebrity news, salacious headlines etc to get people engaged, but we need to give audiences MUCH more credit and look at a way news fits into their lives and the new landscape, not changing what we report on.

MDA has recently launched the #ThingsIveHeard campaign which aims to highlight the often damaging comments many of us hear in the media landscape. Is there a personal anecdote and/or a divisive remark you overheard that you can share with us?

I have been lucky in that almost every newsroom I have worked in I have worked with open minded and truly talented people and leaders that built an environment that doesn’t allow for this. I think it’s more the unconscious bias that seeps through and a misunderstanding of multiple cultures, which doesn’t come from a place of malice but misunderstanding.

Though in saying that post-September 11, as a teen and with a surname like mine I did often, from friends get ‘careful she might blow you up’ comments. But like I said it didn’t come from malice but more a lack of understanding and empathy.

Community Voices Melbourne: Announcing the 13 participants

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After the outstanding success of our Sydney program, we are expecting another fantastic outcome for our Melbourne participants with them becoming regular contributors to local and national media.

”

The second phase of the Community Voices initiative, which aims to connect people from underrepresented communities with news media, has kicked off with a new round of participants. It is the first time the program is being run in Melbourne.

Thirteen participants from Victoria will join Community Voices, an initiative from the Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas and Media Diversity Australia, in 2022. Congratulations to the thirteen participants:

Kimberly Clemencio is president of the Filipino-Australian Student Council of Victoria and a Study Melbourne Ambassador.
Emily Fioramonte is a paralegal at Lander and Rogers and is studying law at the University of Melbourne.
Daniel Haile-Michael is an engineering coordinator for the Mount Alexander Shire Council and chair of the Tigrian Community Association.
Bakr Hawari provides youth outreach support for the Victorian Board of Imams and is studying International Studies at Deakin University.
Charmaine Hunzwi is financial industry professional president of the Incubate Foundation, which offers professional support and opportunities for African Australians.
Kathy Jonathan is an Australian-Kenyan public relations strategist, who helps to raise the profile of African-Australian brands.
Harpreet Singh Kandra is a lecturer at Federation University and treasurer at the Siri Guru Nanak Darbar, a Sikh temple.
Akat Mayoum is a former South Sudanese refugee, student, labourer and a keen cricketer.
Saarah Ozeer is a director and co-founder of Bounce Refugee Youth Mentoring Program, who grew up in Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Australia.
Ruchika Rawat is the founder of Community Aid Australia and a project lead at the Transport Accident Commission.
Anaab Rooble is an Australian-Somali woman living with a disability, working as a human resources and finance manager at the Victorian Disability Worker Commission.
Saima Saberi is a former refugee from Afghanistan, who works as a volunteer lawyer, interpreter and consultant supporting migrant and refugee women.
Saththiyan Satchithanantham is principal at the Bharathi Academy, a Tamil-language school, and editor of Casey Tamil Manram, which promotes Tamil language and culture.

The program was open to Sydney residents in 2021, and Media Diversity Australia and JNI are exploring opportunities to expand the program in other states in the future.

A Day in the Life of a MDA Intern: Angela Ho at 10 News First Perth

I arrive at 8:30AM, check in with the Chief of Staff (COS) for a preliminary briefing of the day’s news, who’ll assign you to a story with a partner journo & cameraman.

Sometimes it’s a court/crime gig, or its reviewing historic footage in the system & compiling recent past scripts etc to get an overview of the story. You’re usually out on the road and en route to court/crime scene by 9AM.

If it’s a feature story with a later start, I’ll sit in on the producer’s meeting at 10AM. The COS provides the rundown on all the day’s stories and the outlook/potential for each is discussed.

I aim to be back in the office by 2 PM at the latest (most scripting starts happening in the car when you’re on the road).

Producers get busy from 3PM onwards, subbing journo’s scripts. Once I notice the newsroom kicking into gear I occupy myself by voicing, cutting & editing my own story together. It can be a time crunch from 4-5 PM to get all stories cut & edited and posted ready to air for the 5PM bulletin. When the bulletin goes live everyone hangs back to watch their story go to air and give feedback and support.

The sports bulletin goes live from Perth around 5:40, so I sometimes hang back to watch the broadcasting magic happen!

MDA’s Canberra Networking event: RSVP now!

Are you interested in diversifying the media landscape in Australia? Come join MDA’s CEO, Mariam Veiszadeh in Canberra for a networking event on the 25th of March 2022 at 6pm. The location is yet to be confirmed (near parliament), so stay tuned and keep an eye out for event details on our socials.

MDA is launching its ACT chapter soon and we would love to connect with you!

The location details and event link will be available on our socials soon but if you would like to RSVP beforehand, please send an email to comms@mediadiversityaustralia.organd we’ll add you to the list.

Jessie Cox Audio Fellowship: Applications are now open!

The Jesse Cox Audio Fellowship is now open for applications! Designed to support a mid-career Australian storyteller from any discipline looking to innovate and push audio storytelling.

The fellowship offers $15,000 to the winning applicant, who’ll undertake a year-long program of targeted professional development. The fellow will also be supported with mentorships, professional introductions, networking opportunities, and in kind support relevant to their practice.

Applications are due midnight March 6 (AEST), find out more here: https://www.jcaf.org.au/apply

MDA Impact: Our progress in 2022 so far

Community Voices: An initiative from the Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas and Media Diversity Australia which aims to connect people from under-represented communities with news media

Twelve Sydney-based participants completed the program last year and have already made more than 100 media appearances for TV, radio, print and digital media.

Summer Internships:

Rachael Evans offered and accepted a paid casual position at ABC News Melbourne after her internship

Morsal Haidari was offered and accepted a position as the News Operations Assistant at 10 News First, Perth, during her final year. She will also be trained to do entry level casual reporting shifts.

Angela Ho (Summer Intern 2021/2022) currently works as a Freelance Reporter for 10 News First Perth.
Monique Pueblos (former MDA Summer Intern: 2019/2020) is currently a Cadet at SBS.
Olivia Nunes-Malek (Shortlist for MDA Summer Internship 2021/2022) is currently the Digital Producer at Network 10.
Abbir Dib (Former Summer Intern: 2019/2020) is currently working as the Associate Producer at 9NEWS Melbourne.

Political Fellowships:

Announced the three political fellowship winners and placed them in respectable outlets namely AAP, the Guardian and Sydney Morning Herald.

The three fellowship winners, Khaled Al Khawaldeh, Katherine Wong and Famida Rahman had a political QandA session with Political reporter Nour Haydar and Ehsaan Veiszadeh (session recording available on socials soon).
Jacob Shteyman (Shortlist for Political Fellowships 2021/2022) currently works as a Fact Checker at AAP.

Social campaigns:

MDA launched the #ThingsIveHeard campaign to highlight the microaggressions that diverse journalists endure in a media landscape setting and received over 140 stories and testimonials.

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:

21/01/202221/01/2022Newsletter

January 2022 Newsletter

Happy New Year MDA supporters,

In our first newsletter of 2022, we put the spotlight on Michelle Elias, a former MDA summer intern placed with the New York Times(2020), now a working journalist and mentor guiding the new wave of paid summer interns. We also announce the three winners of MDA’s Federal Election Political Fellowships and their placements in some of the best newsrooms in Australia. We are also thrilled to introduce MDA’s upcoming campaign #ThingsIveHeard, which focuses on raising awareness and informing others of the biases and negative comments diverse journalists often endure. Our CEO, Mariam Veiszadeh is nominated for the Pro Bono Australia #2022Impact25 awards (vote now!). And last but certainly not least, we quickly chronicle everything MDA achieved in 2021 as we step into 2022 with bigger plans and an unstoppable drive to make an impact.

In this issue:

Spotlight On: Former MDA summer intern, Michelle Elias
MDA’s Federal Election Political Fellowships: Announcing the 3 winners
Upcoming campaigns: #ThingsIveHeard
Pro Bono Australia #2022Impact25 nominee: MDA’s CEO Mariam Veiszadeh
MDA Impact: Our journey in 2021

Spotlight On: Michelle Elias, former MDA intern, working journalist and mentor

“

I scrolled past a tweet talking about how much the face of broadcast journalism in Australia has changed since MDA released their jarring report on the matter.

”

What is one piece of advice you would offer someone who is about to enter the industry?

Journalism is our way to tap into the world we live in. Don’t overlook what’s right beside you. Listen closely to your community, your friends, coach, second cousin, et al. Who you know is different to the next person. An idea or perspective can come from anywhere, but more importantly, it will enrich and diversify the stories we hear. Your connection to that community or person can add insight and candour – use it.

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

My Media Diversity Australia internship landed me in the New York Times’ Australia bureau for six weeks (dream!). My worldview grew instantly and I was talking to journalists in Hong Kong and all across Australia, thinking deeply about what it’s like to report for a global audience for the first time.

In one of the most celebrated newsrooms, MDA made me feel like I deserved to be there and grounded me with regular calls and check-ins. To this day, at times when I’m looking for advice, I’m still calling the connections I made at MDA.

On Twitter the other day, I scrolled past a tweet talking about how much the face of broadcast journalism in Australia has changed since MDA released their jarring report on the matter. It’s incredible what has been achieved in just a handful of years. There’s been a palpable push from newsrooms to have their journalists reflect the wider community and by default the wider conversation.

Tell us about your experience of being a mentor to the next wave of interns?

It’s still early days, but it’s been amazing to share the excitement, relive the nerves and quell the questions that plagued me just a couple of years ago. The media landscape is changing, and it’s an exciting time to be entering.

I’m hoping I can give the newcomers a person to call when they need advice – just like MDA did for me. This connection, which provides support and validation, is invaluable for CALD journalists who are underrepresented in the industry.

As a mentor who has worked closely with the next wave of interns, what do you think the new generation of journalists are bringing to the table?

The next wave of journalists are bringing a lot of vigor (me included!). They’re reinventing the way we consume news, moving to social media apps like Instagram (think @TheDailyAus) and Tik Tok to tell stories. Newcomers know that multiplatform journalism now includes podcasts and Tik Tok pieces to cameras too, especially if you want to reach an audience their (my) age.

MDA’s Federal Election Political Fellowships: Announcing the 3 winners

We are pleased to announce the three Political fellowship winners.

Name: Katherine Wong (NSW)
Placement: Sydney Morning Herald

“I’m Kat and I am a recent Science/Arts graduate with some experience in student publications, and a passion for history, politics, and accessibility in journalism. When I talk to friends or family about politics, they usually tell me that they will vote for whichever politician their parents or friends recommend. This isn’t necessarily because they don’t care about politics, but rather, they lack the time or resources to get invested. And this is especially true in young and diverse communities.”

Name: Famida Rahman (ACT)
Placement: Australian Associated Press

“I have followed what many might consider to be the traditional Canberra career path, of working for the public service after finishing law school. Following a few years of government work, and of making impromptu art galleries on the pin up boards behind my desk, I decided to take the leap and put myself forward for something a little bit different.

Covering the 2022 Federal Election may open the doors to a new and exciting industry and career path. One where I can continue to place my experiences of growing up as an Australian-Bangladeshi woman professionally, and the value that my voice brings coming from this background. “

Name: Khaled Al Khawaldeh (NSW)
Placement: The Guardian

“Having spent the majority of 2021 rerunning old question time sessions for no apparent reason, receiving this fellowship comes as a welcome affirmation that my peculiar lockdown habits were not in fact a waste of time !! Truthfully, I have always wanted to be in the Canberra press gallery but doubted my ability to get there. So to be offered a placement to work there at what I believe will be one of the most consequential elections to date is genuinely a dream come true. Moreover, to do so for an institution that I truly believe in – the Guardian Australia – still has me pinching myself!”

Upcoming campaigns: #ThingsIveHeard

The #ThingsIveHeard campaign aims to highlight the often damaging comments many of us hear on a regular basis that often leave us speechless while engaging in the media landscape whether as journalists, commentators, or general observers. Whether it is a personal anecdote where you are made to feel belittled or excluded in some way or conversations you’ve overheard that are riddled with overarching biases. We want to hear from you! Use the hashtag #ThingsIveHeard and tag @MediaDiverseAU on Twitter and share your stories with us.

The objective of this campaign is to increase awareness by creating a medium to share lived experiences and shine a spotlight on the seemingly innocuous but damaging assumptions made about and to CALD and other minority communities. Under this hashtag, you can share comments made directly to you or things you have overheard. It can range from a personal anecdote to a story you’ve overheard from a complete stranger.

“Nearly 20 years ago, 3 executives told me I’d never be on ABCTV because I would not appeal to their audience.” #ThingsIveHeard

– Fauziah Ibrahim

Speaking out about your personal experience can be daunting and while reciting an overheard story, you can question if it is your story to tell so if you would like to share your stories anonymously please email your tweets to comms@mediadiversityaustralia.org and we will post it on your behalf.

Disclaimer: Media Diversity Australia will not tolerate any kind of harassment or targeted/ defamatory comments. While we want our audience to be able to freely express themselves via this campaign, we will not condone any kind of bullying.

Pro Bono Australia nominee: #2022Impact25 Awards

We are proud to announce that Mariam Veiszadeh, our CEO has been nominated for the Pro Bono Australia #2022Impact25 awards.

These awards are an established accolade that recognise innovators and collaborators making a positive impact in the social sector and their communities. Mariam has been nominated for her inspiring work namely on the Action for Afghanistan campaign.

Please show your support by following the link and casting your vote. Voting closes on the 1st of February 2022.

Vote for Mariam Veiszadeh here: https://www.impact25.probonoaustralia.com.au/2022-impact-25-nominees/veiszadeh

MDA Impact: Our Journey until now (2021 edition)

2021 was a big year for MDA. We thought we’d share some of the highlights with you.

We launched our Disability Reporting Handbook on 23rd November 2021. Since then, the DRH has been downloaded over 1700 times already and we have received plenty of fantastic media coverage.
We successfully placed 10 Summer Interns at news outlets across the country
We held a number of events – China forum, Community Voices, MDA End of year event.
We media trained and then farewelled our cohort of Community Voices graduates
We increased awareness about media diversity via multiple media appearances.
Our co-founders won numerous awards! Isabel Lo was named 40 under 40 most influential Asian-Australian 2021 and Antoinette Lattouf was a winner in the 2021 Women’s Agenda Leadership awards. The dynamic duo was also named winners of the prestigious B&T Women in Media Awards in the category Champions of Change.
We appointed our inaugural CEO, Mariam Veiszadeh
We had a record number of entries for our Media Diversity Australia award at the Mid-Year Walkleys.
We launched the Amplifying Voices program, to support Muslim leaders better engage with the media

In 2022 MDA has even bigger plans – stay tuned!

You can help MDA continue to have an impact. Donate here: https://www.mediadiversityaustralia.org/donate-now/

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

About us

Get in touch:

16/12/202123/12/2021Newsletter

December 2021 Newsletter

Dear MDA Supporters,

In our December issue, we reflect on the early stages of success of the Disability Reporting Handbook and share our DRH post-launch video. We also put the spotlight on MDA’s Disability Affairs Officers, Lisa Cox (Queensland Chapter) and Briana Blackett (NSW Chapter). And as the Community Voices Sydney participants graduate, we look at their achievements and more than 100 media engagements. Oh! And there are some photos from the MDA End of Year Celebration where we had the chance to thank our sponsors, news partners, and Advisory Board and raise a glass to Mariam Veiszadeh, our new CEO as she takes the reins from Director Antoinette Lattouf.

In this issue:

Spotlight On: MDA’s Disability Affairs Officers, Briana Blackett (NSW Chapter) and Lisa Cox (Queensland Chapter)
Disability Reporting Handbook: Post-Launch details
Community Voices Program: Wrap up on Sydney Community Voices Program
MDA End of Year Celebration: Photos and company updates
Donate Now: MDA’s Impact 2021

Spotlight on: MDA’s Disability Affairs Officers, Briana Blackett (NSW Chapter) and Lisa Cox (Queensland Chapter)

Q) Why is it imperative that resources such as the Disability Reporting Handbook exist?

Lisa Cox – Because the media plays such an important role in shaping social attitudes and reinforcing stereotypes about people with a disability – nearly one-quarter of our population. It’s important that resources such as this help people with a disability feel better understood and can assist people without a disability better understand.

Briana Blackett – There has always been a huge disconnect about the way disability is portrayed by the world and the actual reality of living with it – at least, that’s what I’ve learned raising two kids with disability. To this day, centuries of negative assumptions, stereotypes and stigma can deeply impact a person’s ability to do basic things like go to school or get a job. There are typically more complaints to the Human Rights Commission about disability discrimination than any other kind (like sex or race discrimination) and the stories coming out of the Disability Royal Commission make it painfully clear that change needs to happen. Who better to lead that charge than the people who play a huge role in shaping culture – the media. If we can change the narrative around disability – by helping those who write it – then we can start to address the systemic problems that make it difficult for people with disability to go about their regular lives.

Q) What was the most challenging part of developing the Disability Reporting Handbook?

Lisa Cox – Limited resources did make it difficult at times. We wanted to include as many voices as possible (this was achieved) but we didn’t always have as many hands. I’m proud of the team’s hard work and long hours.

Briana Blackett – The most difficult part of producing the handbook was keeping it tight. There is so much to be said about living with disability that we could still be writing today. But, as the whole point of the guide is to be quick and easy to use, we worked hard to keep it succinct and practical for time-poor journalists who need simple advice. We hope to update the handbook regularly so I expect we’ll squeeze in some extra tips in future versions. Another challenge was that the disability community is hugely diverse and so there are, naturally, differing viewpoints on what is or isn’t the right way to say or do something. We’ve tried to incorporate them all but also wanted to make it clear to journalists that there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ approach to reporting on disability. Throughout the handbook we frequently give guidance on how to incorporate identity and diversity when interviewing people with disability and reporting on issues that affect them.

Q) Could you tell us about some of your favourite parts of the Handbook (DRH)?

Lisa Cox – My favourite part of almost any work I do is about the outcome. In this particular case, it has been a couple of times since launching the handbook, when journalists have either been interviewing me for a story or just told me about another of their stories and how they had read the Disability Reporting Handbook. As a result of understanding the content they were enacting a particular change to the way they worked. That to me is the ultimate highlight and the ultimate tick of approval to know that the DRH is doing its job in the real world.

Briana Blackett – It was a real privilege connecting with so many people and gaining their insights. I’ve learned so much from them all. It was also wonderful seeing so many passionate and energetic people working hard to bring about change in this space. If we weren’t in a pandemic and we had been able to attend the launch in person, I would have brought my kids along and said to them “see, all of these people are paving the way for you” – it’s an amazing thing.

Q) What is your personal experience with disability and/or media surrounding it?

Lisa Cox – My academic and professional background is in media, advertising and marketing. After working in corporate for several years I acquired multiple disabilities and have since found a way to fuse my professional background with my lived experience.

I’ve returned to work in various facets of media and now I am the inaugural Disability Affairs Officer at MDA and have been thrilled to see the team grow. I’m a proud disabled woman and my attitude to advocacy is to educate and collaborate. I’ve been that non-disabled writer who is scared of saying the wrong thing, so I understand how daunting it can be and that’s why I’m so glad the DRH is here to help journalists and other media professionals navigate the nuances of disability language.

Briana Blackett – My children have disabilities and we’ve had to fight hard for them to have access to basic things that most people don’t think twice about, like going to school, joining a club or seeing a doctor. We were facing barriers that just didn’t need to be there – and yet, I saw these perpetuated in the way we talk about disability in the media. As a journalist of 20 years, I know that reporters don’t deliberately get it wrong. Mistakes and misrepresentations get made, typically because people don’t have the right information to begin with. So, the solution seemed simple. Create a resource jam-packed with tips on how to get it right – and, with any luck – we’ll start to see a media, and a world, that better represents and includes, people with disability. A world without barriers that my kids can fully and freely be part of.

Disability Reporting Handbook (post-launch)

Media Diversity Australia (MDA) in partnership with the disability organization Hireup, Griffith University, and Getty Images launched a latest newsroom must-have – the Disability Reporting Handbook.

Since its launch on the 23rd of November 2021, the handbook has already been downloaded over 1500 times and is currently the most searched resource on MDA’s web page.

This vital and informative journalism resource to guide better reporting of people with disability is available free to everyone and can be downloaded on MDA’s website.

Watch the post-launch video starring MDA’s Disability Affairs Officer, Lisa Cox, and Australian doctor and Griffith University lecturer Dinesh Palipana.

Wrap up on Sydney Community Voices Program

The Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas and MDA Community Voices pilot program came to a close in December with a celebration for our 12 participants.

They were joined by family and friends, JNI and MDA colleagues, and supporters at JNI’s Chippendale headquarters. The federal member for Sydney, Tanya Plibersek was invited as a special guest and handed out the graduation certificates to the participants. was also a guest.

JNI’s Executive Director Mark Ryan said the program’s first year was a resounding success.

“We started Community Voices because we wanted to give people from diverse backgrounds the skills, experience and the support they need to engage effectively and articulately with the news media,” he said.

“Our participants are now far better equipped as advocates, and they are now known to many newsrooms and journalists and our hope is that they will continue to contribute to our national discussion for a long time to come.”

So far the 2021 Community Voices have made more than 110 media appearances this year alone – across television, radio, print and digital platforms. They have appeared in small and large publications including the SMH and Canberra Times op-ed pages, on The Project (Network 10), Q&A (ABC), Insight (SBS), Channel Nine news, FBi and 2SER radio, and many more.

2021 participant Basim Al-Ansari said his community’s views towards the media have changed as a result of Community Voices. “We felt like we were singled out,” he said. “We felt that the media was an enemy in several ways.” Basim said the program has helped him engage with the media and give his community a greater voice, as well as encouraging them to view the media in a positive light.

Tanya Plibersek said the program has given the participants an “enormous gift”, which would also benefit the wider community. “Australian public discourse is given a great gift by your empowerment within it,” she said.

JNI will again fund the Sydney Community Voices program in 2022 to help participants prepare pitches to the media and get ready for interviews. And Community Voices training will start up in Melbourne in 2022 – which is very exciting.

If you’d like to add the 2021 Community Voices to your newsroom’s contact list, please contact: eduation@jninstitute.org

MDA End of Year Celebration

On December 14th, MDA celebrated the end of a very successful year with our brilliant advisory board members, dedicated staff, passionate state chapter representatives and industry partners.

Co-founder Antoinette Lattouf is moving to the role of non-executive director but will still be on the Advisory Board. MDA’s inaugural CEO Mariam Veiszadeh will take over operational leadership and handle the process of hiring and expanding our not-for-profit.

“After 5 years the little side hustle – Media Diversity Australia, I started with Isabel Lo got big. It’s time for it to take some steps on its own” said co-founder Antoinette Lattouf.

Donate now: MDA's Impact so far

As the year draws to a close, we reflect on some of the things we’ve achieved since our launch.

2018: no permanent Indigenous host on breakfast TV versus 2021: 4/5 networks have Indigenous co-hosts
2018: All 5 TV News Directors were Anglo-Celtic men versus 2021: 2 out of 5 News Directors are women, 1 out of whom is a cultural diverse woman

Help MDA continue to have impact & diversify our media landscape. Donate now.

https://www.mediadiversityaustralia.org/donate-now/

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

About us

Get in touch:

18/11/202119/11/2021Newsletter

November 2021 Newsletter

Dear MDA Supporters,

In our November issue, we put the spotlight on our inaugural CEO Mariam Veiszadeh. We announce the 10 winners of MDA’s summer internships and their placements in various newsrooms around Australia. There are details about our upcoming Canberra-based political fellowships and MDA’s soon to be released Disability Reporting Handbook.

It’s been a huge and exciting month for MDA.

In this issue:

Spotlight On: MDA’s inaugural Chief Executive Officer, Mariam Veiszadeh.
Our Federal Election Political Fellowships in partnership with Google News Initiative: Applications close soon.
MDA’s Summer Internship: Announcing the 10 brilliant winners.
Disability Reporting Handbook: All the launch details ahead of International Day of People with Disability.

Spotlight On: MDA’s inaugural Chief Executive Officer, Mariam Veiszadeh

“

When I was a teenager, I desperately wanted to be a TV news anchor, in particular, I wanted to be Sandra Sully! I didn’t however see anyone like me working as a TV news anchor at the time so it was not a career that I seriously considered.

”

Why does media diversity matter to you?

I have been effectively speaking and writing about cultural diversity for the past decade as it’s a topic that is very close to my heart.

I was always cognisant of being “different” and therefore instinctively looked for role models in popular media. When I was a teenager, I desperately wanted to be a TV news anchor, in particular, I wanted to be Sandra Sully! I didn’t however see anyone like me working as a TV news anchor at the time, so it was not a career that I seriously considered. I then went on to become a lawyer but have always been passionate about championing cultural diversity within the media landscape. My TedXSydney talk in 2017 discusses the importance of cultural diversity and the apparent lack of it within the top echelons of Australian society, which made my passion for the topic grow even more.

From Afghan refugee to CEO in your 30s, how important is that for other women of colour to see?

The response in the past week has been overwhelming as I’ve received so many wonderful messages from others who have commented on the fact that my appointment has served as encouragement for them. I know firsthand that it can be really disheartening and at times debilitating, when you regularly face systemic and other kinds of barriers within the workplace. I’ve endured a lot in my own career as a woman of colour (including previously as an identifiable Muslim woman) and have sought to channel that negative energy into working harder towards smashing that double glazed cultural ceiling not only for myself but to help pave the way for other women as well.

I intend on not only contributing towards the “critical mass” of women in leadership roles but I’d like to take on the role of “critical yeast” (Lederach’s concept) – proactively helping others rise up!

What are you hoping to achieve with MDA?

MDA has already kicked some enormous goals since its launch and that’s a testament to its fierce powerhouse co-founders Antoinette Lattouf and Isabel Lo, the wonderful advisory board and the dedicated volunteer state chapters.

I hope to build upon this incredible success and ensure MDA is a permanent fixture in the Australian media landscape – at least until we meet all our objectives and then there will no longer be a need for us!

One tangible thing that is still lacking in media outlets is having diversity and inclusion strategies that spell out plans on how to address significant representation issues. If there’s no real plan and ways to measure what does and doesn’t work, change won’t happen.

Can you tell us briefly what’s on the cards in 2022 for MDA ?

We have some exciting projects on the go and next year we look forward to releasing Part 2 of our ground-breaking research Who Gets to Tell Australian Stories. We will also be continuing with our paid summer internships which have been great and often convert into industry jobs. We’ll also roll out our inaugural Political Fellowships, for diverse young people to cover the federal election and we’ll launch our Canberra Chapter. Stay tuned for much, much more!

How closely will you be working with Founders Isabel Lo (who is now in New York) and Antoinette Lattouf who is focusing on a book, documentary and television show?

What Isabel, Antoinette and I all have in common is we are all “doers” and we are incredibly passionate about ensuring Australian media walks the walk and not just talks the talk when it comes to media diversity. We also love amplifying and supporting others to succeed. We will be working collaboratively to continue the great successes of MDA and I am indebted to them both for trusting me to continue to take MDA to the next level.

Federal Election Political Fellowships in partnership with Google News Initiative

For the first time ever, with the generous support of Google News Initiative, Media Diversity Australia is offering Federal Election Political Fellowships.

The project will place three young Australians in leading political bureau within the Canberra’s Press Gallery during the 2022 Federal Election campaign.

The Canberra based fellowships project will help address an obvious gap in the media: culturally diverse perspectives in the coverage of Australian federal politics.

The eight-week fellowships will commence in early 2022 and the exact dates will be confirmed once the election is called.

The fellowship recipients will be mentored and supported by an MDA project manager and receive training by Google News Initiative.

If you know anyone under the age of 30 who would be interested and would benefit from this opportunity please share the link and help spread the word. Applications close at 5pm AEST on Friday, 26th November 2021.

Click the link here to learn more.

Announcing MDA’s Summer Internship Winners

MDA’s Summer paid internships, 2022 include 10 media outlets participating and supporting meaningful pathways into some of the country’s most reputable media outlets. After careful deliberation and a thorough interview process, MDA’s summer internship program has placed 10 journalism students in various newsrooms around Australia.

Congratulations to the 10 deserving and driven winners of the Summer paid internship 2022 and thanks to Google News Initiative for supporting this important initiative. Our successful applicants are: :

Manan Luthra (NSW) from University of Sydney with The Nytimes
Morsal Haidari (SA) from University of South Australia for ABC News
Ricky Kirby (NSW) from UTS: University of Technology Sydney with Mamamia
Sohani Goonatillake (ACT) from Monash University with Mix 106.3 Canberra
Angela Ho (WA) from Curtin University with 10 News First
Tahnee Maxwell (QLD) from Griffith University with The Courier Mail
Shazma A Gaffoor (VIC) from La Trobe University with 9 News
Daniel Yong (WA) from Curtin University with The West Australian
Zahra Al-Hilaly (WA) from Murdoch University with 7NEWS
Rachel Evans (VIC) from Monash University with ABC Everyday

We are so proud of the summer internship winners and cannot wait to see them shaping the future of journalism.

Disability Reporting Handbook (Launching on the 23rd of November 2021)

http:/https://vimeo.com/griffithuni/review/646707746/9aef1cb7f1

Media Diversity Australia Handbook Launch.mp4

Media Diversity Australia (MDA) in partnership with disability organisation Hireup, Griffith University and Getty Images is launching its latest newsroom must-have in the form of the Disability Reporting Handbook.

This journalism resource to guide better reporting of people with disability is available free to everyone and can be downloaded from MDA’s website from the 23rd of November 2021.

It is an informative and practical handbook which includes advice on correct language and terminologies, ways to avoid common mistakes, tips on making content more inclusive, and a contacts database.

MDA pulled together a dedicated team of media professionals – all with lived experience of disability – to produce this practical guide on how to better represent people with disability. Many thanks to the Disability Handbook team for sharing their lived experience of disability and how it is treated by the media.

In July 2019, MDA produced a similar resource for media professionals reporting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and issues. Since its launch, our Indigenous Reporting Handbook has been downloaded thousands of times and is being used by newsrooms and journalists across the country.

Co-founder and co-chair Antoinette Lattouf expects the DRH to be just as well received by media professionals and others wanting to get it right when it comes to diversity.

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27/10/202127/10/2021Newsletter

October 2021 Newsletter

We put the spotlight on The Daily Aus founders to talk about the success of their social media news platform for young people. There are details about our bespoke 12 month mentorship program for women of colour. Our first reporting on China forum is around the corner, plus we’re working on round two of our research: ‘Who Gets To Tell Australian Stories’?

In this issue:

Spotlight On: Zara Seidler and Sam Koslowski on Instagram, news and diversity.
Mentoring: MDA new Mentorship & Leadership Accelerator Program.
Google funds round two of our research: Who Gets To Tell Australian Stories?
Media training: Diversity and ethics presented by the Walkley and the Scanlon Foundation.
China Forum: Register for our upcoming forum exploring how journalists can better connect to the Chinese diaspora in Australia, and thus improve news coverage of this often misunderstood but crucial community.

Spotlight On: Founders, Zara Seidler and Sam Koslowski

The Daily Aus has quickly become a leading and trusted online news source for a generation of younger Australians. Their fresh approach has earned them 250,000 + followers on Instagram since 2017 with many followers under the age of 35. So what makes The Daily Aus so appealing? What’s next for the media platform’s growing influence? We sat down with the two mavericks.

“

We think of ourselves as a speed bump that meets our readership where they are. You should be able to scroll on social media, see a photo of a coffee, a brand you like, and then a little, digestible explainer of ours about interest rates before going back to what you’re doing more knowledgeably.

”

How did you first meet?

In true The Daily Aus style, we connected digitally first, and met in person after. Sam had the idea for TDA, and put a call out for a partner. We chatted briefly about the idea online before meeting for a coffee in Bondi, where TDA was launched. It’s been four years since then, and not a day has gone by without us speaking to each other.

Have you always been interested in the news?

We’ve both always been massive news nerds. Sam comes from a family of journos and Zara has been a die-hard politico since school. The initial thinking behind launching TDA was we were both a bit sick of being asked by friends about what was happening in the world. We were always the friends who prepped mates before a date or dinner with the in-laws, and so we decided to streamline that process into a single product – TDA

What is The Daily Aus?

TDA is Australia’s leading social-first news service. We offer young Australians a digestible and engaging way to access the news. Our objective is to provide the context to a news story making the rounds. We recognise that you can’t understand the full story if you’ve never been exposed to the concepts or main characters, so we plug that hole by providing explainers and breaking down the news

What type of news stories does The Daily Aus focus on?

TDA focuses on stories that matter to young people in Australia. We take the time to bring our readers along on the journey of understanding an issue from its origins to now. The explainer pieces we do aren’t always sexy topics (we’re looking at you, tax reform), but they’re important to know as the next generation of voters mature and understand their place in the world.

Why has The Daily Aus become so popular amongst Gen Y & Z?

We are meeting young people where they’re at. We’re not trying to change or modify information consumption habits, but instead ensuring that in between all that scrolling, our audience gets the opportunity to read something educational and interesting. We also think it’s become popular because as young people ourselves, we know how to communicate effectively to our peers

Is The Daily Aus speaking to a diverse audience? Would you say your audience is diverse?

It’s really hard for us to comment on the ethnic or racial diversity of our audience, as that’s not something we’ve asked the audience about and at the moment we’re still beholden to Instagram analytics. That said, we know our audience is mostly female, and mostly under the age of 30. We know we are speaking to a demographic that’s labelled ‘hard to reach’ by traditional media – and that’s what makes what we’re doing so exciting. In terms of geography, we know most of our readers are in Sydney or Melbourne – the two cities that have also consumed the most COVID-19 news and press conferences. In the next two years, we’d really like to be speaking to more regional users – that’s a big focus for us going forward.

The rise of D&I has become a topical conversation globally, but what views or experiences do your readers have on the matter? How does it directly or indirectly inform what you post or don't post?

The conversation about diversity and inclusion really matters to our audience. We try to frame progress in the D&I space as part of our coverage of politics, the law and social issues – not siloed to just ‘good news’. As part of our resolution to ensure that young people have a media they own, it means amplifying diverse young voices – and we do that through taking advantage of the polling tools available on social media to make sure young people feel they are contributing to the news cycle

Media Diversity Australia has been awarded a Crescent Foundation Community Grant to develop a mentorship program that supports CALD journalists

MDA’s 12-month mentorship program will take a dozen mid-career media professionals, from low socio-economic backgrounds and various CALD communities and facilitate pathways towards their dream leadership position. The initiative will formally launch early next year.

Mentees will experience one-on-one mentoring sessions with some of the most influential journalists, news editors and directors in Australia.

Google News Initiative Funds round two of our research

Today’s media plays a huge role in shaping our perceptions of each other and the world around us. In 2020 Media Diversity Australia released Who Gets To Tell Australian Stories?

Since then, has there been a significant increase in the representation of diverse people and voices? Ethnic diversity in advertising seems to be at an all-time high, and there does seem to be changes afoot within the belly of the media beasts but have the media’s predominantly Anglo-Celtic male board members decided to shape up or ship out and make room for those of diverse backgrounds? Are diverse staff just interns or big decision-makers? Academic researchers, MDA and our principal partner Google News Initiative will be producing the second iteration of our report.

Media training: Diversity and ethics presented by the Walkley and the Scanlon Foundation

This is the fourth and final session in a series of professional development webinars for Australian journalists to bring greater diversity and inclusion to their reporting, presented by the Walkley Foundation and the Scanlon Foundation. #4 focuses on diversity and ethics, with a conversation between Dr Hass Dellal AO and Russell Anderson.

This event is free; however, spots are limited, and registration is essential to secure your place

Media training: Diversity and ethics
Date: Thursday, November 11
Time: 4pm – 5pm AEDT
To register click here

MDA and the National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters' Council explore better ways to report on China

They’re Australia’s largest non-Anglo cultural group, have been here since the Gold Rush and their country of heritage is poised to dominate the world this century. So why is coverage and representation of Chinese Australians so poor in our news media? How can journalists connect better to the Chinese Australian community, which is particularly disengaged from mainstream media even compared to other cultural minorities?

Media Diversity Australia and the National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters’ Council are proud to host this pilot forum event exploring the causes, responsibilities and solutions to Australian newsrooms’ coverage of the Chinese diaspora. Our two sessions will examine both mainstream media’s relationship with the Chinese diaspora, and also what can be learned from the alternative news sources popular with many Chinese in Australia, including social media platforms such as WeChat and YouTube.

Panellists will include Centre for Asia-Australia Leadership director Jieh-Yung Lo, veteran Australian news director Jim Carroll, senior journalist at The Australian Heidi Han, media expert Professor Haiqing Yu from RMIT, Chinese community radio and magazine founder Raymond Chow and Australia-based YouTube Chinese news blogger Edgar Lu. The two sessions will be moderated by MDA’s professional development officer and senior journalist Ky Chow.

Whether you’re a journalist eager to better tap into this important demographic or simply a news consumer keen to see better coverage and learn more about the Chinese Australian diaspora, click here to register for this free Zoom panel.

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Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is not faced

James Baldwin

In this issue:

Spotlight On: Rashell Habib, the first woman of colour in a director role in Australian television.

Can you give us a run-through of your career to date and a brief overview of your current role?

As the first woman of colour in a director role in Australian television, what advice do you have for other women of colour who look up to you?

The media landscape is constantly evolving, what are some issues that you would like to see the next wave of journalists addressing?

MDA has recently launched the #ThingsIveHeard campaign which aims to highlight the often damaging comments many of us hear in the media landscape. Is there a personal anecdote and/or a divisive remark you overheard that you can share with us?

A Day in the Life of a MDA Intern: Angela Ho at 10 News First Perth

MDA’s Canberra Networking event: RSVP now!

Jessie Cox Audio Fellowship: Applications are now open!

MDA Impact: Our progress in 2022 so far

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In this issue:

Spotlight On: Michelle Elias, former MDA intern, working journalist and mentor

What is one piece of advice you would offer someone who is about to enter the industry?

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

Tell us about your experience of being a mentor to the next wave of interns?

As a mentor who has worked closely with the next wave of interns, what do you think the new generation of journalists are bringing to the table?

Upcoming campaigns: #ThingsIveHeard

“Nearly 20 years ago, 3 executives told me I’d never be on ABCTV because I would not appeal to their audience.” #ThingsIveHeard

– Fauziah Ibrahim

Pro Bono Australia nominee: #2022Impact25 Awards

MDA Impact: Our Journey until now (2021 edition)

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In this issue:

Spotlight on: MDA’s Disability Affairs Officers, Briana Blackett (NSW Chapter) and Lisa Cox (Queensland Chapter)

Q) Why is it imperative that resources such as the Disability Reporting Handbook exist?

Q) What was the most challenging part of developing the Disability Reporting Handbook?

Q) Could you tell us about some of your favourite parts of the Handbook (DRH)?

Q) What is your personal experience with disability and/or media surrounding it?

Wrap up on Sydney Community Voices Program

MDA End of Year Celebration

Donate now: MDA's Impact so far

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In this issue:

Spotlight On: MDA’s inaugural Chief Executive Officer, Mariam Veiszadeh

Why does media diversity matter to you?

From Afghan refugee to CEO in your 30s, how important is that for other women of colour to see?

What are you hoping to achieve with MDA?

Can you tell us briefly what’s on the cards in 2022 for MDA ?

How closely will you be working with Founders Isabel Lo (who is now in New York) and Antoinette Lattouf who is focusing on a book, documentary and television show?

Announcing MDA’s Summer Internship Winners

Disability Reporting Handbook (Launching on the 23rd of November 2021)

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

About us

Get in touch:

In this issue:

Spotlight On: Founders, Zara Seidler and Sam Koslowski

How did you first meet?

Have you always been interested in the news?

What is The Daily Aus?

What type of news stories does The Daily Aus focus on?

Why has The Daily Aus become so popular amongst Gen Y & Z?

Is The Daily Aus speaking to a diverse audience? Would you say your audience is diverse?

The rise of D&I has become a topical conversation globally, but what views or experiences do your readers have on the matter? How does it directly or indirectly inform what you post or don't post?

Google News Initiative Funds round two of our research

Media training: Diversity and ethics presented by the Walkley and the Scanlon Foundation

MDA and the National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters' Council explore better ways to report on China

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

About us

Get in touch:

September 2021 Newsletter

In this issue:

August 2021 Newsletter

In this issue:

July 2021 Newsletter