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The first Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for the Irish audio and audio visual sector is being published today (03.07.24) by Coimisiún na Meán.
The Strategy will apply to those involved in film, television, radio, audio and animation production. Among the actions outlined within the Strategy is the need for all audio and audiovisual media and media associations to publish their own Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) policies, plans and strategies.
Under the Strategy, Coimisiún na Meán expects media service providers to take steps to facilitate greater inclusion in the sector, including:
Following the publication of the Strategy, a set of GEDI Standards for the sector will be developed by Coimisiún na Meán.
Speaking about the publication of the Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, Coimisiún na Meán’s Media Development Commissioner, Rónán Ó Domhnaill said: “Having a media landscape which reflects the diversity of Irish society has been a priority for Coimisiún na Meán since its establishment.”
“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. Many broadcasters and organisations have already undertaken initiatives that are contributing to greater diversity and inclusiveness, I would like to acknowledge this progress and look forward to further developments.”
“This Strategy and the industry standards which will be developed as a result, will be key criteria for An Coimisiún’s funding schemes. Already, the Sound and Vision funding scheme actively contributes to gender, equality, diversity and inclusion objectives, ensuring that a range of voices are represented and supported within the industry.”
‘’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.’’
Launching the Strategy at Coimisiún na Meán’s offices today, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD commented:
“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”.
Coimisiún na Meán has established a Steering Committee to evaluate the progress of the Strategy and will publish an annual report mapping GEDI initiatives in the media sector in Ireland. An Coimisiún is incorporating GEDI initiatives into the licensing process for broadcast services and will commission research to inform the development of future media service codes.
The GEDI Strategy is built on four pillars: Workplace/Culture, Representation/Content, Engagement, and Development. The Strategy provides direction for media service providers on best practices for the sector.
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