First of its kind networking event breaks down barriers and supports local ethnic media
Journalists, on-air hosts and media entrepreneurs share tips at gathering facilitated by CBC Calgary
Nearly two dozen journalists from local ethnic media gathered for the first time recently, facilitated by CBC Calgary, to network and discuss the future of local ethnic media.
These journalists share local news in a variety of languages through weekly radio shows, podcasts, websites and social media platforms. It was the largest gathering of its kind, at least in living memory.
"I've never had the opportunity to meet with this many ethnic media journalists, anchors and radio hosts under one roof," said Shan Ali from Express Media Network, an Urdu radio show.
"It's a great opportunity to share our information and ask for help and advice on how we can better serve our communities."
The Saturday afternoon gathering was held at the Calgary Central Library downtown. For CBC, it was a chance to get to know these journalists — people who often perform a key service of connection in their communities.
More broadly, it provided an opportunity for journalists, radio hosts, podcasters and media entrepreneurs to share challenges and explore how ethnic media can continue to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
Some shared their experience applying for grants. Others talked about their efforts to increase engagement, build trust and ensure more diversity of age and gender in their programs. Strengthening collaboration among ethnic media organizations was another key topic, with some attendees saying there is a need for better training, resource sharing and co-ordinated efforts.
Some of the media represented serve specific ethnic communities in languages such as Ukrainian, Thai, Punjabi and Nepalese. Others explore immigrant experiences in English, trying to involve people from many diverse backgrounds.
Many take a hyperlocal approach that's culturally relevant and aims to ensure newcomers and established communities alike remain connected to local and national news.
Kiran McKay runs the Middle Fingers Up podcast, which explores relationships, mental health and everything in between with unconventional guests and voices. She said the event created a safe space for open discussions.
I hope this is the beginning of some different conversations.- Kiran McKay
"[It was] a really comfortable space to be able to talk about things that people don't often go out and share with media outlets, and I hope this is the beginning of some different conversations," McKay said.
Kaamil Kareemi from the campus and community radio station CJSW said there was a clear, shared mission of serving communities and that united everyone in the room.
"It seems to be a good step forward in terms of getting that representation and fostering multicultural and intercultural connections," he said.
However, Kareemi said, it's also important to deepen these discussions beyond the newsrooms.
"The next step would be getting our communities more involved," he said. "Going directly to them, talking to members, and seeing if what we discussed today is translating to them. Because we all come at this from a very overarching, co-ordinated, production-style perspective, and sometimes it's hard to separate that from what people are actually experiencing."
Programming at CJSW includes shows in Croatian (Hrvatski Radio), Tigrinya (Eritrean Radio), Filipino (Radyo Pilipino) and others.
At the end of the afternoon, attendees discussed their next steps. Participants said there's a need for ongoing training for community journalists. They said they would also like to foster stronger collaboration between ethnic media outlets and with mainstream media, and to advocate for better access to policymakers and political coverage.
Many expressed a desire for the conversations that started at this gathering to extend beyond the event itself and translate into meaningful change.
The CBC's Elise Stolte, who facilitated the networking event, encouraged the group to keep the conversation going.
"This is your group. I don't own it. If you want something, suggest it," she said, encouraging the group to keep talking to see how these new connections can evolve.
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