Book on Ethnic Media launched

Book on Ethnic Media launched

Toronto – Canada’s Ethnic Media, the first national socioeconomic report of its kind on Canada’s community-based ethnic/third language media, was presented to the Government of Canada on Nov 19.

According to the new report from the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC), ethnic or third language media play a pivotal role in connecting Canada’s immigrant and visible minorities to their communities, but face a number of challenges to their success.

The report was compiled based on results from a survey of members of the NEPMCC. The organization contracted Seneca’s Faculty of International Business and Professor Dr. Gabriel Huston to analyze the data and write a report. Initial survey results were also tabulated by Seneca College Professor James Davidson.

“I come from multiple ethnic backgrounds and know how important ethnic media is to communities across the country,” said Professor Huston. “This report has revealed that the owners and operators of the nation’s ethnic media are often managing full-time jobs elsewhere and need further business education to help their enterprises succeed. Colleges across the country have a role to play in helping them continue to provide this invaluable service.”

Thomas S. Saras, President and CEO, NEPMCC with Margaret R. Best, MPP, Scarborough-Guildwood, Minister of Consumer and Services

The report identified four critical areas needed to foster a vibrant, balanced, economically sustainable third language community-based media industry in Canada, including:

• A Canadian media industry-wide discussion about the challenges faced by ethnic media, including increased collaboration between Canada’s mainstream media and the community-based third language media industry;

• Increased public sector interfaces and government support;

• Development of professional skills, research tools and strategic management assistance for the third language media industry; and

• Identification of and equal access to innovative products, markets and partnership opportunities for stability and sustained growth.

David Agnew, Seneca College President

“We are grateful to Seneca College, one of the top colleges in Toronto with the most diverse student population, to Angela Zigras, Chair of School of International Business, and to Professor Dr. Gabriel Huston for his hard work, enthusiasm, consultation and help in completing the NEPMCC survey process and presenting the findings in this report,” said Thomas S. Saras, President and CEO, National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada. “The work we have done together will help to improve the futures of the members of the ethnic media sector and the communities they serve.”

(PRESS RELEASE)

Kathleen Wynne, MPP, Don Valley West

James Pasternak, Toronto City Councillor - Ward 10 /York Centre

Prof. Dr. Gabriel A. Huston of Seneca College, author