The CMDC Media Summit returns to Toronto on Wednesday, April 30, tackling topics from ethical use of AI to investing in local content.
Shannon Lewis, President of the Canadian Media Directors’ Council, said this year’s theme – Voices 2025 – is about amplifying the voices shaping the future of media, transforming challenges into opportunities, pushing boundaries, and turning big ideas into action.
“Voices 2025 comes at a time when Canada is being shaped by both disruption and possibility,” Lewis told Broadcast Dialogue. “In the face of trade tensions, shifting governments, accelerating AI, and an urgent need for future-ready skills, one thing is certain: the leaders who thrive today are building boldly for tomorrow. That’s exactly what Voices 2025 is about. At CMDC, we want to unite the industry and amplify the voices who are leaning in, stepping up, and shaping what’s next – for our industry, for our society, and for Canada.”
Lewis says despite the media and advertising sector facing some of its biggest challenges in decades – from economic pressure to complex questions around AI ethics and policy, misinformation and eroding trust – she still sees opportunity.
“This is where leadership matters most. It’s our moment to champion innovation that creates real impact and to build a future where Canada’s media industry doesn’t adapt, it leads with originality, ingenuity, and impact,” she added.
International keynote speaker Sylvie di Giusto will open this year’s event with The Power of Choice, which Lewis says will be a reminder that leadership is about how we show up every single day.
Kevin Swersky of Google DeepMind will discuss AI, ethics, and what it means to innovate responsibly, while Team Canada soccer legend Diana Matheson, Group M Sports & Entertainment Brand Consultant Justine Tainsh, Sephora Canada SVP of Marketing Allison Litzinger, and Jennifer Fields, Senior Director of Business Development at The Trade Desk, helm a “GameChanger” session on the cultural shift that’s led to the rise of women’s sport.
Other sessions feature KiSS 92.5 (CKIS-FM) Toronto morning show hosts Roz & Mocha on Radio’s Enduring Appeal; Rogers SVP of Revenue Alan Dark on the future of live sports as a cultural power play; and Amazon Ads Head of Live Sports Sales Tyler James on connecting brands with fans in the streaming era. CMDC will also unveil the next chapter of its Canadian Media Manifesto advocacy campaign, championing local media.
Political commentator and former speechwriter for President George W. Bush, David Frum is the featured speaker at this year’s Media Leaders Dinner on Press, Power & Politics.
“People are ready for real conversations, real action, and real leadership. Over the past two weeks, in conversations with our members, speakers, and partners, I’ve seen a sense of collaboration, more creativity in the content, and a shared goal to shape what’s next for Canada,” said Lewis. “Voices 2025 isn’t just a summit – it’s a moment to unite our industry and lead forward together.”
