Hamilton's Media Advisory Committee is looking for new members

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

HMAC brings together representatives from the city's major media outlets with community members for exchangesof views and informationabout diversity in the Hamilton media.

The council meets every monthto 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, HamiltonSpectator andCFMU.

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 leadersdecided 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 memberonHMAC says:"People from various backgrounds and walks of life apply to this committeefrom 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 twoyear commitment.The application forms can be found here.