A new study by academics Vikrant Kishore and Stephen Goulding has examined the role of Indian-Australian ethnic media in advocating for the sociocultural issues of the Indian diaspora in Australia. The research highlights the sector’s financial constraints, editorial caution, and the complex relationship between community representation and advocacy.
Published in Transitions: Journal of Transient Migration, the study is based on interviews with twelve Indian-Australian ethnic media producers. It explores how these outlets navigate issues such as casteism, dowry practices, and political divides while balancing financial sustainability and editorial independence.
The role of ethnic media in the Indian-Australian community
Indian-Australian ethnic media play a crucial role in connecting diaspora communities with local and international news, preserving cultural identity, and facilitating social integration. However, the study finds that these outlets often struggle to engage with divisive social issues due to financial pressures and community sensitivities.
“Ethnic media serve as an essential platform for voices often ignored by mainstream outlets,” the study states. “However, their reliance on advertising revenue and government funding frequently influences editorial choices.”
The research identifies well-established Indian-Australian ethnic media outlets, including South Asia Times and NRI Affairs, as key players in representing the community. Despite their importance, the study notes that these outlets face challenges in sustaining themselves financially while addressing controversial issues such as caste-based discrimination and dowry practices.
Financial constraints and editorial caution
The study finds that most Indian-Australian ethnic media outlets rely heavily on advertising revenue from community businesses and occasional government grants. This financial dependency often results in editorial caution, with some outlets avoiding contentious topics that could alienate advertisers or segments of their readership.
“There is a tension between advocating for social change and maintaining financial viability,” says one media producer interviewed for the study. “Many outlets hesitate to cover issues like casteism and domestic violence because of potential backlash or loss of funding.”
While some outlets actively discuss social issues, others focus primarily on cultural events, celebrations, and non-controversial topics to ensure financial stability. This selective engagement with social issues has led to criticism that Indian-Australian ethnic media are not doing enough to challenge harmful cultural practices within the diaspora.
Internal fragmentation within the diaspora
The Indian-Australian community is highly diverse, comprising multiple linguistic, religious, and caste-based groups. The study highlights that while most ethnic media outlets frame their coverage around a broader Indian-Australian identity, they often struggle to address the internal divisions that exist within the diaspora.
“Many media outlets define themselves through a national lens, promoting an overarching Indian-Australian identity rather than engaging with the specific challenges faced by different sub-groups,” the study notes.
The research also finds that new digital platforms, particularly social media-based outlets, have started to address niche issues within the diaspora. However, their sustainability remains uncertain due to financial instability and competition from larger, well-established ethnic media brands.
The advocacy role of ethnic media
Despite the financial and structural challenges, Indian-Australian ethnic media have made strides in advocating for their community. Outlets such as NRI Affairs and South Asia Times have covered issues like visa and immigration policies, racism, and the treatment of international students.
The study argues that ethnic media could play a stronger role in influencing policy and shaping public discourse if they had greater institutional and financial backing. It calls for more support from government and non-profit organisations to enable these outlets to serve their communities more effectively.
“Financial sustainability is crucial for ensuring that ethnic media can continue to engage with important social issues,” says one of the study’s authors. “Without adequate funding, the sector risks becoming more entertainment-focused and less engaged in advocacy.”
Future prospects and recommendations
The study concludes by recommending measures to strengthen the Indian-Australian ethnic media sector. These include increased financial support through government grants and sponsorships, capacity-building programs for media professionals, and efforts to promote collaboration between ethnic and mainstream media.
It also highlights the need for Indian-Australian ethnic media to balance cultural representation with investigative journalism and social advocacy. Encouraging greater dialogue within the community and addressing taboo topics head-on could enhance the sector’s credibility and influence.
As the Indian-Australian diaspora continues to grow, its ethnic media will play a vital role in shaping its identity and advocating for its interests. However, without structural and financial support, these outlets may struggle to fulfil their potential as key drivers of social change.
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