Since the 1850s, when the first black Canadian presses were formed, ethnic and visible minority groups have actively created their own media. Canada now has 14 full-service radio stations to provide programming for various ethnic groups, and more than 60 mainstream radio stations include ethnic programming in their schedules. Toronto’s CHIN, for example, broadcasts in over 30 languages.

In the field of print media, there are more than 250 ethnic newspapers, representing over 40 cultures, including 7 non-English dailies. Some publications, like the Chinese version of Maclean’s magazine, are distributed nationally.

Ethnic television is flourishing too. In 1979, the CRTC granted a license to CFMT-TV, Canada’s first multicultural television station. Based in Toronto, CFMT broadcasts programming in 22 languages throughout Ontario. Two similar stations have been licensed in Montreal and Vancouver. Five more ethnic specialty and pay-television services, and 44 digital specialty services, have also been licensed across the country.