Type of Activity: General Operating Support
Grantee: Multicultural Media & Correspondents Association
Amount: Updated to $400,000 in 2022
What is the Multicultural Media & Correspondents Association?
Multicultural Media & Correspondents Association (MMCA) is a group of media stakeholders, influencers of color, and their allies, who share a mission of eliminating barriers to media diversity. This includes a goal of increasing diverse ownership and control of the reporting, creation, production, and distribution of news and stories on all platforms.
Why do we think this organization is important?
A strong democracy requires a diverse media landscape that reflects the voices of the communities they represent. Diverse participation in, and ownership of, media organizations ensures that important stories are not missed. Providing greater representation not only allows more audiences to see alternative viewpoints, but also allows groups and communities to see their lives and interests reflected in our national conversation.
Now in its fourth year of existence, MMCA continues to strengthen its position as an advocate and change-agent for media diversity. The focus of their efforts include community and coalition building, advocacy and awareness, industry accountability, and stakeholder assistance and collaboration.
Digital channels eliminate some of the barriers to diversity that existed on traditional platforms; however, MMCA’s research and engagement have revealed that decision maker bias and the barriers to discovery by audiences have not been removed. Consolidation, tech transformation, changes in consumer behavior, and rushed policy changes are combining to make the landscape even more difficult. MMCA’s primary goal is to help media stakeholders of color successfully navigate and thrive in this rapidly-changing new media economy and to address the barriers that still remain.
How is Democracy Fund Voice supporting Multicultural Media & Correspondents Association?
In 2022 an amendment was approved to increase the amount of the grant by $100,000, for a total of $400,000.
In 2020, Democracy Fund Voice approved a grant of $100,000 to Multicultural Media & Correspondents Association. In 2021 an amendment was approved to increase the amount of the grant by $200,000 for a total of $300,000.