HireBIPOC Membership Surpasses 2,300 in First Week

TORONTO (October 13, 2020) – HireBIPOC.com, a new industry-wide initiative to create meaningful change around hiring practices and ensure a more inclusive workforce, has surpassed 2,300 members in its first week of operation. The online roster, which launched October 5, is an unprecedented collaboration between 20+ Canadian media organizations, including Canadian broadcasters Bell Media, CBC/Radio-Canada, Corus Entertainment, and Rogers Sports & Media, signals a landmark commitment to change and action. “We are inspired and heartened by the feedback and response we have received from the Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour creative community, the industry, and the public. The numbers are a testament to how much change is needed. The industry is ready to engage in a process of shifting status quo and we are honoured to be a part of that change with the support our partners,” said Nathalie Younglai, Founder, BIPOC TV & FILM. HireBIPOC is supported by the following Foundational, Industry, and Community Partners with additional partners to be announced in the coming days. Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television Banff World Media Festival Bell Media Canadian Film Centre (CFC) Canada Media Fund (CMF) Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) CBC/Radio-Canada CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals City of Toronto Content Canada Corus Entertainment Focus Media Arts Centre Hot Docs ImagineNative Indigenous Filmmakers Association Inside Out National Screen Institute (NSI) Ontario Creates Playback Pride Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival Racial Equity Media Collective (REMC) Remix Project Rogers Sports & Media Touchwood PR HireBIPOC is an initiative created by BIPOC TV & FILM and Bell Media in consultation with BIPOC members and support of community groups. The site has been designed and developed by the Bell Media Digital Team under the direction of Judy Lung on behalf of BIPOC TV & FILM. HireBIPOC will facilitate and increase BIPOC hiring in the country’s screen-based industries (television, film, digital), whether Canadian or shot-in-Canada, in roles at all levels, across all areas of the industry, including production (above and below the line), behind the scenes, executives, communications & marketing, and on-air. HireBIPOC is operated by BIPOC TV & FILM, a volunteer-run advocacy group founded nearly a decade ago with deep roots in the BIPOC community as well as a track record for practical training and educational work, and building solidarity across industry organizations. #HireBIPOC #RepresentationMatters