A culturally diverse media is necessary for a fair and cohesive Australia and a vibrant industry.

Australians come from more than 300 ethnicities. Our stories reflect the foundational and enduring culture of First Nations people, our European heritage, and the gift of multicultural migration. The media needs to tell these diverse stories.

The media is the fourth estate of our democracy, and media narratives significantly influence Australia’s social cohesion. A lack of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) people including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in the media is not only wrong; it has negative consequences for our society.

Cultural diversity is also necessary for the mission and the viability of journalism itself. Participation by CALD media professionals enables:
- Quality journalism by drawing from the whole pool of media talent, and prioritising merit in hiring and promotions.
- Accurate reporting and perspectives including (but not limited to) topics concerning race and culture
- Relevant and engaging content for Australia’s diverse audiences
- Strong organisational culture in media organisations
- Effective decision making , leveraging diverse perspectives
- Increased profitability, by contributing to more productive, creative and innovative workplaces

Media Diversity Australia's activities focus on three areas:

1) Creating pathways
We deliver relevant, quality programs for media professionals to support their full and equal participation in the industry
• Supporting pathways for students and early career professionals
• Supporting the development and resilience of CALD media professionals
• Identifying and celebrating talented journalists and storytellers
• Supporting CALD media professionals to take on leadership roles in the industry

2) Setting the agenda
We advocate for the value of cultural diversity and the opportunity for change, so that diversity is recognised as essential to the media’s role and success
• Promoting the benefits and business opportunity of a diverse media to ensure
accurate, relevant and engaging content for audiences
• Establishing a data and evidence base and sharing results with the industry
• Identifying and sharing what’s working in achieving diversity across the industry

3) Partnering for change
We are an honest partner for media organisations seeking to drive change, to support them to deliver on their commitments
• Partnering with industry leaders to identify solutions and work towards a shared
agenda
• Driving uptake of measurement and industry wide standards
• Connecting industry leaders with advice and support