Role of Media In Strengthening Social Cohesion Roundtable

You are invited to participate in a special roundtable discussion co-hosted by Media Diversity Australia and the Australian Bahá’í Community’s Office of External Affairs, exploring the role of the media in strengthening social cohesion in Australia.

This roundtable is part of the Creating an Inclusive Narrative project, an ongoing national initiative facilitated by the Australian Bahá’í Community that aims to bring together the experiences and perspectives of people from diverse backgrounds to contribute to a more inclusive story of Australia — a story of who we are, where we want to be, and the shared values that can guide us on this journey.

The media has a critical role to play in this conversation. It not only reflects society, but can also influence how we understand ourselves, one another and the world around us. The stories that are told, the voices that are amplified, and the ways in which people, communities and issues are represented can influence public attitudes, strengthen or weaken trust, and shape our sense of who belongs within Australia’s national story and who has the opportunity to contribute to its future.

We are seeking representatives from media, civil society, government, academia, the private sector, religious and cultural communities, and the arts from across Australia to share their experiences and insights, and together explore our understanding and collective vision of social cohesion; the role of the media in contributing to this vision; and how the media can help foster a more inclusive, cohesive and participatory society.