Join the Canadian Journalism Foundation this Black History/Black Futures Month for an illuminating panel discussion with Nathan Downer (CTV News Toronto), Allya Davidson (CBC’s The Fifth Estate), Wendy Ann Clarke (Investigative Journalism Bureau) and Dominique Gené (2024 CJF-Globe and Mail Black Business Journalism Fellow). Our distinguished panelists will share their experiences navigating Canadian media, explore the evolution of diverse storytelling, and discuss how the media landscape is transforming to better reflect Black Canadian voices and experiences. They’ll examine the critical role of mentorship in advancing Black voices in journalism and building inclusive newsrooms. CTV News Toronto Weekend Anchor & Videojournalist Andria Case will moderate the discussion.
Following the discussion, join industry leaders at our cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception for meaningful connections and continued conversation. LIMITED tickets are available for this event.
About the Speakers
Wendy-Ann Clarke
Multimedia journalist Wendy-Ann Clarke is a reporter for the Investigative Journalism Bureau at the Dalla Lanna School of Public Health, where she brings a passion for exploring the ways in which history, culture, sociology, psychology, and other disciplines intersect to bring greater understanding to the news stories of today. Clarke’s in-depth investigative reporting on First Nations health care reflects her deep commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices and advancing equity in journalism. A former track-and-field athlete and coach, prior to joining the IJB, she worked with CBC Sports covering a wide range of sporting disciplines and reported on athletics during the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Allya Davidson
Allya Davidson is a multiple Emmy, RTDNA and Canadian Screen Award-winning investigative journalist. She is the executive producer of CBC News’ flagship investigative documentary program, The Fifth Estate, now in its 50th season. Allya has produced documentaries for VICE and CTV’s W5, and internationally for Channel 4 (UK), ZDF (Germany), Four Corners (Australia) and PBS Frontline. She is passionate about mentoring BIPOC journalists and advancing equity in the field. Allya gave the inaugural Al Hamilton Lecture at Toronto Metropolitan University in the Spring of 2024; her lecture’s contents are now part of several first-year syllabi at TMU.
Nathan Downer
Nathan Downer is the Co-Anchor of Toronto’s most-watched local newscasts: CTV News at Noon and CTV News at Six. Downer was previously an anchor and reporter for CP24 and an anchor of LIVE AT FIVE on CTV Toronto. Downer is an experienced radio and television broadcaster. He has covered the city’s most significant news stories during his 11 years with CP24, from federal, provincial, and municipal elections, to the Bruce McArthur serial killings investigation, and the 2019 NBA championship win by the Toronto Raptors. Prior to joining the CP24 Team, Downer’s work as a reporter for Global TV earned him three RTNDA awards in 2005, including a national prize for a feature story. Downer sees his career in the broadcast industry as a tool he can use to inform, engage, and communicate. He enjoys hosting many special community events and is an active member of the Canadian Association of Black Journalists. He’s also involved with charity work, including Camp Jumoke and Helping Hands Jamaica, and is on the Advisory Board for the Sickle Cell Awareness Group Ontario. Downer received the Excellence in Media Award, a national prize presented by the African Canadian Achievement Awards (ACAA) in 2013. In 2012, the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) honoured Downer with the 2012 Distinguished Men of Honour Award. Raised in Scarborough, Ont., Downer studied at the University of Toronto and George Brown College and loves living in the east side of downtown Toronto with his family.
Dominique Gené
Dominique Gené is the 2024 recipient of the CJF-The Globe and Mail Black Business Journalism fellowship. She’s reported on government and bank loan programs for Black entrepreneurs, diversity reports across company boards in Canada, the TSX index and more. Dominique spent last summer in Cote d’Ivoire producing a podcast episode on nature-based climate solutions for Farm Radio International. Her work has been published in Broadview Magazine, THIS, New Canadian Media and more. Dominique is a 2024 Journalism and Humanities graduate of Carleton University.
