A PhD student at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst seeks people of African descent for her research survey about their perceptions of how media portrays Africans.

Ms Sunny Chivaura (pictured), a student in the School of Communication and Creative Industries in Bathurst, said her research explores how African immigrants living in Australia perceive their representations in the media, and what they believe could be changed or made better.

"This study is open to anyone from an African background regardless of race - black, white, Asian, Indian, mixed, and any other variation - that are living in or previously lived in Australia," Ms Chivaura said.

"I believe this study is essential to our understanding of how African immigrants understand how they are represented in the media.

"By undertaking this study I hope to obtain first-hand information about the impacts and attitudes that African immigrants form based on their representation, as well as the lasting personal and social implications.

"If people from a non-African background know friends, family and acquaintances that might be, I ask that they please bring this research survey to their attention. The more participants, the better."

Research participants are asked to complete a survey that is based on their media consumption and attitudes. The survey should only take 10 to15 minutes to complete, and it can be accessed here or via

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YInlGHMRSCf7Q4kf7z94FRCGSyWMO8LlUV0lNChJ61M/viewform?c=0&w=1

Two of Ms Chivaura's PhD supervisors at CSU, Professor Tara Brabazon and Professor Steve Redhead, said this research is important work for future policy formation in Australia.

"Sunny's excellent PhD research explores the roles played by media and consumption in the symbolic formation and negotiation of identity among African immigrants in Australia," they said.

"Her research is based on original survey work and in-depth oral history, and will give a clearer picture of an area that is often reduced to stereotypes and anecdote in the Australian media.

"Academically, her PhD research will further our understanding of migrant cultures in the fields of cultural studies and media studies."

The survey runs until early 2016, and Ms Chivaura can be contacted regarding the survey on 0450 012 484 or chivr001@gmail.com.