Independent Multicultural Media Australia (IMMA) will host a public forum, “Diverse Voices, Inclusive Views: Multicultural Media’s Vital Role in Shaping Australia’s Media Landscape,” at NSW Parliament on Wednesday, May 15.

The event will provide attendees with the opportunity to convene and discuss the role of independent multicultural media as vital public interest journalism.

The Secretary of IMMA, Fotis Kapetopoulos, also a journalist for Neos Kosmos, said, “Independent multicultural media is at the front-line when crises arise”.

“Our diverse outlets, across all mediums, including digital, provide critical information to our communities in diverse languages and in English.

“Many of IMMA’s members produce content in languages and in English thus creating an intergenerational conversation and representing diverse voices,” said Kapetopoulos.

Key questions for discussion include how multicultural media engage with their communities, their relationship with government, steps for strengthening cross-platform journalism, and the significance of independent multicultural media as public interest journalism.

IMMA comprises of 33 members, representing a diverse range of multicultural outlets that reflect multicultural Australians across all generations.

The keynote speaker, Dr Stepan Kerkyasharian, has a long-term advocate for multiculturalism, has served on the National Australia Day Council (NADC) Board since 2019. Over five decades, he has spearheaded initiatives to foster community harmony and inclusion. Notably, as Chair and CEO of the Community Relations Commission of NSW, he drove policy changes benefiting under-represented communities. He led the Anti-Discrimination Board, championing minority rights. He has received numerous accolades, including the Order of Australia and the Presidential Medal for “Outstanding Achievement” from Cyprus.

The event will feature a panel discussion, covering current issues of government engagement, crisis communications, and digital transformation. Panellists include representatives from various multicultural media outlets.

PANEL

David Giang, Managing Director of Vietnamese language newspaper, Chieu Duong (The Sunrise Daily) and Multicultural NSW Advisory Board Member

Wendy Huang, Managing Director of Chinese News and Media Group Pty Ltd & Publisher of the Chinese Herald

Sid Merhi, Managing Director of 2ME Arabic Radio

Dimitra Skalkos, Managing Director of Foreign Language Press Pty Ltd and Publisher of The Greek Herald & Ellinis Magazine

Pawan Luthra, Publisher and Founder of Indian Link Media Group

Julius Larobina, Managing Director, Italian Media Corp and Publisher of Il Globo & La Fiamma

Fotis Kapetopoulos, moderator and Secretary of Independent Multicultural Media Australia (IMMA)

 

Event Details:

Diverse Voices, Inclusive Views: Multicultural Media’s Vital Role in Shaping Australia’s Media Landscape

Venue: NSW Parliament Fountain Court & Theatrette

Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Time: Arrival drinks from 5:30-6:30 PM, Event commences from 6:30-8:45 PM

Free Event

Register Here 

This event is an opportunity to explore the narrative of independent multicultural outlets, their role in bridging gaps in mainstream coverage, and their impact on cultural preservation.