Hamilton's Media Advisory Committee is looking for new members

The Hamilton Media Advisory Council is looking for new volunteers to join the community committee.

 HMAC brings together representatives from the city's major media outlets with community members for exchanges of views and information about diversity in the Hamilton media.

The council meets every month to discuss with the editors of these media outlets about the portrayal of the various races and communities in Hamilton. The media outlets include CBC Hamilton, CHCH, Hamilton Community News, Cable 14, CHML, Hamilton Spectator and CFMU.

How did it start?

The Media Advisory Council previously known as Strengthening Hamilton Community Initiative came into existence following the terrorist attacks September 11, 2001, when Hamilton residents witnessed an increase in hate-related crimes and incidents.

Some community leaders decided to form a permanent advisory council to have an exchange between the media outlets and the representatives of the different communities in Hamilton. 

Who can apply?

Anyone! 

Alyssa Lai, a community member  on HMAC says: "People from various backgrounds and walks of life apply to this committee…from young professionals and non-profit workers to newcomers. Anyone who is interested in the inner working of the media should apply."

Why would you be interested?

HMAC encourages a healthy dialogue among the media organizations in Hamilton and the diverse communities. They talk about the choice of stories published in the media with respect to communities, matters of inclusivity, race and diversity.

"Volunteers can even pitch stories to the media," added Lai.

"If you are interested in knowing and understanding the media industry as well as educating the editors about your community, this job is for you," she added.

April 8, 2016 is the last day for submitting applications to the Hamilton Media Advisory Council. It is a two year commitment. The application forms can be found here.