Task Force for Cultural Diversity on Television

The Task Force for Cultural Diversity on Television today released its final report and accompanying research study, representing the findings and outcome of nearly two years' work examining the reflection and portrayal of cultural diversity on Canadian private television stations.

Titled Reflecting Canadians: Best Practices for Cultural Diversity in Private Television, the 59-page report and 400-page research study represent the most comprehensive content analysis ever undertaken examining cultural diversity on television, anywhere, and will serve as a benchmark for future research. This major research undertaking consisted of five modules: Review of Academic Literature and Previous Content Analyses; Best Practices Review; Stakeholder One-on-One Interviews; Focus Group Research; and Benchmark Content Analysis.

Informed by its research findings, the Task Force developed and recommended Best Practices and Industry Initiatives to assist private Canadian television broadcasters with the overall advancement of reflection and portrayal of cultural diversity on television. "These best practices are intended not only to address gaps or weaknesses uncovered by the research, but also to strengthen the existing initiatives taken for the advancement of cultural diversity in television broadcasting," commented Beverley Oda, Co-Chair of the Task Force.

The Task Force was co-chaired by Beverley Oda, and Madeline Ziniak, Vice-President and Station Manager, OMNI Television. The nine-member Task Force was comprised of four non-industry members and five members representing the broadcasting industry. Along with the co-chairs, the members included: Chief Stefany Mathias, Squamish Nation/Next Exit Pictures Ltd.; Marie-Anna Murat, Journalist; Raj Rasalingam, President, Pearson~Shoyama Institute; Elaine Ali, Senior Vice-President, CTV Stations Group; Sarah Crawford, Vice-President, Public Affairs, CHUM Limited; Rita Cugini, Vice-President, Regulatory Affairs & Business Development, Alliance Atlantis Communications; and Pierre Lampron, Vice-président, Relations institutionnelles, Quebecor Media and President TVA films.

The full report and research study can be found at:
http://www.cab-acr.ca/english/culturaldiversity/report.shtm