Speaking & Media Requests
MediaSmarts is home to trusted experts in the field of digital media literacy. Below, you can find a list of MediaSmarts experts available to comment on current affairs and trending topics in the media, or to book for select speaking engagements.
For more information or to reach one of our experts, please contact:
communications@mediasmarts.ca
613-224-7721 ext. 231
Our digital media literacy experts
Dr. Kara Brisson-Boivin
Director of Research
Kara Brisson-Boivin, PhD is the Director of Research for MediaSmarts. Kara is responsible for the planning, methodology, implementation and dissemination of key findings from original MediaSmarts research studies. Kara holds an appointment as an Adjunct Research Professor in the Sociology and Anthropology Department at Carleton, University. She has extensive experience presenting research to key stakeholders on parliamentary committees, at academic conferences, invited talks, panels, keynote addresses and webinars. Kara has been interviewed about her research by outlets such as the CBC, CTV, The Globe and Mail and the Canadian Press.
Read Kara’s full bio here.
Contact: kbrisson-boivin@mediasmarts.ca
Areas of expertise: Digital citizenship, digital well-being and online resiliency, youth and technology, online hate, online activism, misinformation, privacy and consent, algorithms and artificial intelligence.
Kathryn Ann Hill
Executive Director
Kathryn Ann Hill is the Executive Director of MediaSmarts and has over 30 years of experience as a leader in the voluntary sector, serving in senior leadership roles at organizations like United Way Canada and Family Services Ottawa. She has a Masters of Social Work (1992) from Carleton University, and a Master of Management Degree (2003) from McGill University. Kathryn has been interviewed by outlets such as CTV, Policy Options and CBC, and regularly represents MediaSmarts on panels and events both in Canada and internationally.
Read Kathryn’s full bio here.
Areas of expertise: digital media literacy, misinformation, digital well-being, digital citizenship, social media
Matthew Johnson
Director of Education
Matthew Johnson is an acknowledged expert in digital media literacy and has contributed blogs and articles to websites and magazines internationally as well as presenting MediaSmarts’ materials on topics such as copyright, cyberbullying and online hate to parliamentary committees, academic conferences, governments and organizations around the world, frequently as a keynote speaker. He has been interviewed by outlets such as The Globe and Mail, the BBC, The Wall Street Journal, Radio Canada International and CBC’s The National.
Read Matthew’s full bio here.
Areas of expertise: digital media literacy, misinformation, digital well-being, online safety, privacy, digital citizenship, social media, youth and technology
Marc-Alexandre Ladouceur
Media Education Specialist (bilingual)
As a Media Education Specialist, Marc Alexandre is responsible for creating resources for educators, parents and community groups and for conducting outreach activities with French language schools, school boards, education ministries,faculties of education and community organizations across Canada. He holds a Master’s Degree in Theology, as well as Bachelors’ in Education and Theology. He has been interviewed by outlets such as CBC, Radio-Canada and Le Droit.
Read Marc-Alexandre's full bio here.
Areas of expertise: digital media literacy, misinformation, digital well-being, online safety, privacy, digital citizenship, social media, youth and technology