HomeGeneral + Regulatory + Telecom + Media NewsNewsroom Diversity Survey finds Canadian media...

Newsroom Diversity Survey finds Canadian media still overwhelmingly white

The Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) inaugural Canadian Newsroom Diversity Survey, finds Canadian media is still overwhelmingly white, particularly at the management level.

The most comprehensive survey of its kind ever undertaken, the CAJ collected data on 3,873 journalists from 209 Canadian newsrooms across radio, television, digital and print media.

Approximately 90% of outlets that participated have no Latin, Middle Eastern or Mixed Race journalists on staff, and about 80% have no Black or Indigenous journalists.

The survey found that white journalists tend to hold more senior and stable jobs. White journalists hold 81.9% of supervisor roles and 79.6% of top three leadership positions. That compares to 1.4% who identify as Black, 8.3% who identify as Asian, and 4.2% who identify as Indigenous in supervisory roles. Black and Middle Eastern journalists are twice as likely to work in part-time roles.

“The typical Canadian newsroom is not representative of the Canadian population,” said CAJ chair and survey lead Zane Schwartz, in a release. “Almost half of all Canadian newsrooms exclusively employ white journalists. Where journalists of colour and Indigenous journalists are on staff, they tend to work in a handful of very large newsrooms.”

Other findings from the survey include that women now outnumber men in the industry, accounting for 52.7% of all newsroom staff, compared to 46.7% who identify as men and 0.7% that identify as non-binary.

A 17-page report detailing national results, methodology, and a full list of who participated can be found here. The CAJ worked with data analytics firm Qlik to develop an interactive website to visualize the results. The CAJ plans to conduct the industry-wide study on an annual basis going forward.


Subscribe Now – Free!

Broadcast Dialogue has been required reading in the Canadian broadcast media for 25 years. When you subscribe, you join a community of connected professionals from media and broadcast related sectors from across the country.

The Weekly Briefing from Broadcast Dialogue is delivered exclusively to subscribers by email every Thursday. It’s your link to critical industry news, timely people moves, and excellent career advancement opportunities.

Let’s get started right now.

* indicates required

 

SUBSCRIBE NOW - IT'S FREE!

At Broadcast Dialogue®, we are committed to delivering industry-leading insights, news, and analysis directly to your inbox—completely free of charge.

By providing full / accurate information, you are helping us sustain Broadcast Dialogue® as a free resource. In return, we commit to delivering high-quality content that keeps you informed on the latest trends, technology, and news shaping the broadcast landscape—at no cost to you.

The Weekly Briefing from Broadcast Dialogue® is delivered exclusively to our subscribers by email every Thursday.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Your Subscription Information

Your Name
Your Email Address
Broadcast Dialogue uses this information to understand our audience and deliver relevant content.
Broadcast Dialogue uses this information to understand our audience and deliver relevant content.

Your Company Information

A Couple Of Questions

Do you consider yourself retired?
Are you seeking employment opportunities?

Connie Thiessen
Connie Thiessenhttps://broadcastdialogue.com
Connie has worked coast-to-coast as a reporter, editor, anchor and host at CKNW and News 1130 in Vancouver, News 95.7 and CBC in Halifax, and CFCW Edmonton, among other stations. With a passion for music, film and community service, she led News 95.7 to a 2013 Atlantic Journalism Award and regional RTDNA award for Best Radio Newscast. More recently, she was nominated for Music Journalist of the Year at Canadian Music Week 2019. To report a typo or error please email - [email protected]

Latest News

2024 Canadian Radio Awards winners

Pattison Media's 102.3 NOW! Radio (CKNO-FM) Edmonton is among the multiple winners at the 2024 Canadian Radio Awards. NOW! won Major Market Station of the...

Broadcast Dialogue – The Podcast: Is radio becoming obsolete to national advertisers?

Radio is still a cornerstone of many national media buys in Canada, but let’s be frank - it doesn’t deliver metrics that digital-first marketers...

Events / Conferences