FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Seneca College helps put together report on the importance of Canada’s ethnic media 

Seneca Professor Gabriel Huston pens first national study for the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada

Toronto, November 19, 2012 – Canada’s Ethnic Media, the first national socioeconomic report of its kind on Canada’s community-based ethnic/third language media will be presented this evening to the Government of Canada.

According to the new report from the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC), ethnic or third language media play a pivotal role in connecting Canada’s immigrant and visible minorities to their communities, but face a number of challenges to their success.

The report was compiled based on results from a survey of members of the NEPMCC. The organization contracted Seneca’s Faculty of International Business and Professor Gabriel Huston to analyze the data and write a report. Initial survey results were also tabulated by Seneca College Professor James Davidson.

“I come from multiple ethnic backgrounds and know how important ethnic media is to communities across the country,” said Professor Gabriel Huston. “This report has revealed that the owners and operators of the nation’s ethnic media are often managing full-time jobs elsewhere and need further business education to help their enterprises succeed. Colleges across the country have a role to play in helping them continue to provide this invaluable service.”

The report identified four critical areas needed to foster a vibrant, balanced, economically sustainable third language community-based media industry in Canada, including: 

-           A Canadian media industry-wide discussion about the challenges faced by ethnic media, including  increased collaboration between Canada’s mainstream media and the community-based third language media industry;

-            Increased public sector interfaces and government support;

-            Development of professional skills, research tools and strategic management assistance for the third language media industry; and

-            Identification of and equal access to innovative products, markets and partnership opportunities for stability and sustained growth.

“We are grateful to Seneca College, one of the top colleges in Toronto with the most diverse student population, to Angela Zigras, Chair of School of International Business, and to professor Dr. Gabriel Huston for his hard work, enthusiasm, consultation and help in completing the NEPMCC survey process and presenting the findings in this report,” said Thomas S. Saras, President and CEO, National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada. “The work we have done together will help to improve the futures of the members of the ethnic media sector and the communities they serve.”

With campuses across the Greater Toronto Area, Seneca offers degrees, diplomas and certificates renowned for their quality and respected by employers. Combining the highest academic standards with practical, hands-on learning, expert teaching faculty and the latest technology ensures Seneca graduates are career-ready.

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