CRRF Awards Grants Worth $775,000 to Promote Media Diversity in Canada
The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) has proudly announced the recipients of its newly launched Media Fellowships Program. This initiative has allocated a total of $775,000 in funding to ten media organizations, with the aim of fostering a more inclusive and diverse media environment across Canada.
Out of the ten organizations, eight will use the funding to hire new journalists, reporters, columnists, and storytellers, while two will undertake innovative projects that highlight the impact of racism through storytelling.
The CRRF Media Fellowships Program is designed to provide individuals from racialized communities and religious minorities with valuable learning and networking opportunities within Canada’s media sector. Mohammed Hashim, CEO of CRRF, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Making space for more diverse voices and narratives allows Canada to match its stories with the many and varied lived experiences of all our communities. We need this now more than ever.”
Developed through an extensive consultation process, the program aligns with current industry standards and needs. The CRRF extends its gratitude to the panel of experts who were instrumental in evaluating and shaping the program. This esteemed panel includes Nick Davis (Chair), Brandi Morin, Brian Daly, Carla Beauvais, Serena Mah, and Thierno Soumare. The foundation also thanks all the organizations and individuals involved in bringing this vision to fruition.
One of the grant recipients, Parvasi Weekly Inc., expressed excitement about the impact this funding will have. Rajinder Saini, Editor-in-Chief of Parvasi Weekly Inc., stated, “This grant will significantly boost our ability to deliver quality journalism and reporting, particularly on issues that matter to our diverse readership.”
The CRRF believes that investing in the careers of young journalists is an investment in the future of society. By supporting these emerging media professionals, the foundation aims to create a media landscape that truly reflects the multicultural fabric of Canada. This initiative is expected to enrich the industry with new storytelling and diverse perspectives.
In summary, the CRRF’s Media Fellowships Program is a significant step towards a more inclusive media landscape in Canada. By empowering underrepresented voices, the program not only supports the growth of young journalists but also contributes to a more equitable and representative media environment for all Canadians.
Navneet Kaur