1 in 4 Australians have culturally diverse backgrounds. 1 in 10 on-air reporters have culturally diverse backgrounds.
Is that good enough?
New report reveals the lack of cultural diversity in Australian media
One in ten on-air reporters, presenters and commentators have culturally diverse backgrounds.
That’s the conclusion of a new report from Media Diversity Australia, which looked at two weeks of television in Australia - covering 81 programs, 270 on-air reporters and 35,000 appearances - in hopes it would raise awareness of the lack of cultural diversity in Australian media.
The report also found that every national news director in Australia is male with an Anglo-Celtic background.
Of the on-air reporters surveyed for the report, 77% believed their backgrounds were a barrier to career progression.
Former Human Rights Commissioner: who we see shapes who we are
“Who we see on screens shapes how we understand Australian society and identity. If there are backgrounds that aren’t adequately represented, the message is clear: people from those backgrounds may not really belong to Australia, or really count as Australian.”
Tim Soutphommasane, University of Sydney professor and former Human Rights Commissioner.
Channel 9 and Channel 7 hit back at the report
“I don’t think simply counting surnames on TV is an effective way of addressing the issue or helps in finding practical solutions to these challenges.”
Channel 9 director of news Darren Wick.
“There is scant acknowledgement in the report that free-to-air TV employers simply aren’t hiring culturally diverse employees because they’re not applying.”
Channel 7 director of news and public affairs Craig McPherson.