Facing struggles and limited representation: The challenges of ethnic media in Australia

By Maria Irene
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Representational Photo by Manoj Kulkarni on Unsplash

Ethnic media in Australia plays a crucial role in informing and connecting diverse communities, yet it continues to face a range of challenges. From financial struggles to limited representation in mainstream media, ethnic media outlets often struggle to gain the recognition and support they deserve.

One major issue facing ethnic media in Australia is a lack of funding. Many ethnic media outlets are small, independent operations that rely heavily on advertising revenue. However, with the rise of digital media, traditional advertising models have become increasingly difficult to sustain. This has led to a decline in the number of ethnic media outlets, with many struggling to stay afloat financially.

Another problem ethnic media faces is limited representation in mainstream media. Despite the growing diversity of Australia’s population, ethnic media outlets are often overlooked and underrepresented in mainstream media. This lack of representation can make it difficult for ethnic media to gain visibility and credibility, which in turn can limit their ability to attract audiences and advertisers.

Lack of diversity within the media industry is also a major concern. A report by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found that only 12 per cent of journalists in Australia were from non-English speaking backgrounds. This lack of diversity can also be seen in the leadership of media organisations, where people from non-English speaking backgrounds are underrepresented.

The lack of representation of ethnic media in mainstream media has also meant that the perspectives of ethnic communities are often not reflected in the broader public discourse. This can lead to a lack of understanding and empathy for the issues that these communities face, and can contribute to a sense of alienation among ethnic Australians.

Ethnic media plays an important role in connecting and informing diverse communities in Australia, yet it continues to face a range of challenges. From financial struggles to limited representation in mainstream media, ethnic media outlets are often overlooked and undervalued. It is crucial that we recognise the importance of ethnic media and provide support to ensure that these outlets can continue to serve their communities. Without the support, ethnic media will face an existential threat, which could also lead to a loss of diverse voices in the media industry.


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