Bell Media, CBC/Radio-Canada, Corus Entertainment, and Rogers Sports & Media are the Foundational Partners of HireBIPOC, a new industry initiative that launched Monday, aimed at changing hiring practices across television, film, and digital to ensure a more inclusive workforce.
Created in partnership with volunteer-run advocacy group, BIPOC TV & FILM, the online hub launched with over 500 Black, Indigenous or Persons of Colour, who work in the screen industries – spanning crew to creatives. The goal is to increase representation on Canadian or shot-in-Canada productions in roles at all levels, from behind-the-scenes to executives, communications & marketing, and on-air.
Industry partners in the initiative include the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, Banff World Media Festival, Canadian Film Centre (CFC), Canada Media Fund (CMF), Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA), ImagineNative, Inside Out, the National Screen Institute (NSI), and Ontario Creates, among other organizations.
“If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that now is the time for brave steps towards radical change. HireBIPOC is one step amongst many, in order to transform the face of our industry. We need measurable commitments to hiring more Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. We all have a circle of influence and it is up to each one of us to use it,” said Nathalie Younglai, Founder, BIPOC TV & FILM, in a release.
“Creating real, systemic change to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Canadian media industry is a long-term commitment, and a top priority for Bell Media,” added Randy Lennox, President, Bell Media. “We’re proud to make use of HireBIPOC among our production partners a condition of green light for Bell Media original productions. It is our ardent hope that HireBIPOC is a game-changer for Canadian content in seeing more Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour on screens across the country.”
HireBIPOC, which was initially announced by BIPOC TV & FILM and Bell Media in July, was designed and developed by the Bell Media Digital Team, under the direction of Judy Lung on behalf of BIPOC TV & FILM.
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