Minority representation in media keeping up with census figures: CMF report

A new report from the Canada Media Fund (CMF) suggested the cultural organization’s membership largely reflects broader national population trends. On Feb. 5, the CMF issued its 2024-25 demographic report, following the release of a similar study by the Directors Guild of Canada last month. The CMF report noted that participation by diverse groups is in keeping with the national average. Indigenous people made up five per cent of respondents to the survey, equivalent to the national census figures, while Black and racialized communities came in at 26 per cent, also mirroring the census data. Women were slightly above the 40 per cent gender parity threshold established by the CMF, and the LGBTQ+ community accounted for 15 per cent of users, higher than the national average. Meanwhile, persons with disabilities clocked in at 10 per cent, slightly below the national average. The CMF database has 15,000 profiles of participants, a 32 per cent increase from 2023-24. Much of the report's analysis looked at key roles such as writers, directors, and producers. Indigenous people have seen recent growth among such key roles in traditional linear productions. From seven per cent in 2022-23, the figure grew to nine per cent two years ago and 10 per cent last year. Black and racialized communities saw their numbers fall from 19 per cent representation three years ago to 16 per cent in the next reporting period, before rebounding to 17 per cent in 2024-25. LGBTQ+ respondents occupied eight per cent of key postings in 2022-23, before reaching 11 per cent in each of the last two years. Disabled persons saw a climb from four per cent in 2022-23 to six per cent the next year, which further increased to eight per cent last year. Key role trends largely remained static for interactive digital media productions, as Indigenous people were at three per cent in all three reporting cycles, while Black and racialized people held steady at 26 per cent for the same time frame. LGBTQ+ representation inched up from 18 per cent in 2022-23 to 19 per cent the next year, followed by 20 per cent last year. Growth was notable for disabled people, going from 10 per cent to 14 per cent to 16 per cent over the last three reports. Regarding ownership of linear funded applications, the number of Indigenous people who held equity in the productions increased from six per cent to 10 per cent to 12 per cent over the reporting periods. Black and racialized communities were at 15 per cent ownership in 2022-23, while remaining constant at 17 per cent the next two years. LGBTQ+ respondents have spent two years at seven per cent after debuting at four per cent, and persons with disabilities rose from five per cent to seven per cent to nine per cent in 2024-25. ppark@thewirereport.ca

Minority representation in media keeping up with census figures: CMF report

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By Paul Park
|February 10, 2026

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Minority representation in media keeping up with census figures: CMF report

Broadcast | By Paul Park |February 10, 2026

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By Paul Park
|February 10, 2026