Diversity in the media is vital – but Australia has a long way to go
The new Media Diversity Walkley award is a step towards recognising and pushing for diversity in the media industry, writes Helen Vatsikopoulos in this crossposting from The Conversation. But there’s still so much to do, and such a long way to go.
The inaugural Walkley Award for Media Diversity will be announced on June 26, and has had an impressive number of entries for what was once regarded as a niche area.
Diversity in the media is no longer just about minorities; it is well and truly a mainstream issue. Streaming company Netflix has appointed an executive to oversee its diversity and inclusion strategy. British media companies like The Financial Times, The Telegraph and Sky are following suit.
Michelle Guthrie in 2018: the former ABC managing director made greater staff diversity a top priority. But her final Equity and Diversity annual report failed to meet several long-held targets.
Joel Carrett/AAP
As we face a growing tide of unregulated hate speech, the role of the media is crucial in normalising diversity and demolishing the “othering” of difference that divides us. So how is the Australian media faring in the diversity stakes?
