Catherine Martin, T.D., Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, has today launched Coimisiún na
The Strategy is informed by the recommendations of the Future of Media Commission and by the lived experiences of those working within our media sector.
The Minister has welcomed the Strategy as a key step towards ensuring the media industry is accessible, inclusive and representative of our society.
Launching the Strategy at Coimisiún na Meán’
“The issue of gender parity and equality has been, and continues to be, a priority for me as Minister. A diverse and inclusive media sector is essential for our society, for our democracy and for our cultural development. It is vital that our media reflects the many and varied voices of our society.
This strategy represents the first step of a longer-term process to address the far-reaching societal issues we face such as gender equality, the portrayal of negative stereotypes and the barriers to access and opportunity. This strategy will work towards ensuring a more equal media landscape and one which provides a diversity and a plurality of voices to our national discourse, boosts opportunities within the sector and reflects the society it represents”.
Rónán Ó Domhnaill, Media Development Commissioner said:
“The publication today of a Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for the media sector in Ireland is an important step towards ensuring that our audio and audiovisual media sector is accessible, inclusive, diverse and representative of contemporary Ireland.
An Coimisiún will continue to encourage initiatives to enhance the diversity of the media sector in Ireland and through our own sectoral development and funding schemes, will support activities aimed at making the media sector in Ireland more inclusive.’’
The Strategy, which is the first of its kind for the industry, will aim to foster a culture of equality and inclusivity in the media and is the result of an extensive programme of work by Coimisiún na Meán over the past number of years incorporating wide consultation with key sectoral representatives.
Key highlights of the Strategy include:
- the collection, monitoring and publication of EDI data by public service media
- the development of EDI standards across media content
- diversity education and training
- more equitable employment opportunities
- greater accessibility in the sector and
- a more accurate representation of Irish society both on-air and off-air
