Following a public call for applications and a comprehensive selection process, an Independent Expert Panel was established. This panel is composed of at least four (4) bilingual members from official language minority communities.
The panel members are responsible for evaluating all eligible funding applications and recommending grant allocations to eligible community media organizations supported under the programs administered by the Consortium.
Representing different regions of the country, the panel members collectively bring expertise in journalism, media operations, business management, and community development. They also have a strong understanding of the realities, challenges, and needs of official language minority populations and the community media that serve them.
To protect the integrity of the application evaluation process, the panel members carry out their mandate entirely independently of the Consortium’s governance structure. They must remain, at all times, free of any direct ties or conflicts of interest with eligible media outlets.
To preserve this independence and ensure impartiality, the identities of panel members remain confidential throughout their mandate. For transparency, non-nominal professional profiles are provided below.
Member #1
With over fifty years of experience in radio broadcasting, this member of the independent panel has served in a variety of roles, ranging from hosting to producing community projects. A long career in community radio has provided this individual with a clear understanding of the realities and challenges faced by community media.
Alongside this professional path, the member has contributed to cultural and sports initiatives with a community focus and collaborated on various radio development projects, particularly through national programs. Their long-standing commitment to supporting emerging artists and community organizations demonstrates a dedication to cultural and social vitality.
Known for impartiality and a strong ethical compass, this member brings extensive expertise in radio broadcasting and an unwavering commitment to community vitality to the panel.
Member #2
With more than forty years of experience, this member of the independent panel has built a remarkable career in journalism and communications. After two decades as a daily news journalist, this individual continued their career for nearly twenty years in community-sector communications and media relations.
This diversified experience provides a deep understanding of the role of media, both as a witness to and an actor in community development.
Throughout their career, this person has actively contributed to strengthening best practices in journalism and to training professionals through workshops and professional development sessions.
Their well-recognized analytical skills have led to frequent invitations to serve on journalism evaluation juries at the provincial and national levels, as well as on independent funding program committees.
Recognized for professionalism, balanced judgment, and reliability, this member brings extensive expertise in the Canadian media landscape, along with a strong personal commitment to community vitality.
Member #3
With a strong background in strategic communications and risk management, this member of the independent panel devoted more than twenty years to journalism, including several years as editor-in-chief of a significant community media outlet. This career path provided in-depth knowledge of the issues affecting francophone minority communities.
Highly engaged in public and community life, this individual has held governance roles at various levels, notably as a municipal councillor and as chair of a regional economic development committee. This member has also demonstrated strong editorial and community engagement in support of francophone vitality in their province.
Respected for professionalism, integrity, and discretion, this person brings a rich perspective rooted in journalistic experience, community engagement, and a commitment to supporting the French language in a predominantly English-speaking environment.
Member #4
This member of the independent panel brings substantial experience in the media and community sectors. Their professional background includes long-standing contributions to local journalism, where they have developed a strong understanding of the dynamics shaping community news ecosystems.
Actively involved in community governance, this individual has served on various boards and advisory bodies focused on media development and community initiatives. These experiences have strengthened their insight into the operational realities of community media and the broader social and linguistic environments.
Recognized for critical thinking and intellectual rigour, this member contributes to the panel a balanced, analytical perspective rooted in practical field experience. Their work reflects a deep appreciation for the essential role of community media in supporting civic engagement, cultural continuity, and the vitality of minority-language communities.
Their professional pathway demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the evolving challenges facing community media and the ongoing importance of ensuring access to information in minority-language settings. This combination of experience and perspective enriches the panel’s collective expertise while maintaining the independence and integrity expected of an advisory role.