Equality, diversity & inclusion
It is important that what audiences watch, listen to and consume reflects the diversity of Irish society. To support this, we work with broadcasters to advance equality, diversity and inclusion in the Irish media sector.
Strategy, funding & development
While much work has been carried out to ensure there is a balance of people, voices, stories and lived experiences on our screens and on the airwaves, there is still more to do. As such, we have developed a Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Strategy for the media sector which outlines actions the sector can take as it works towards this goal. Some actions, including training, recruitment and career progression initiatives relate to the workplace, while others relate to the content produced and broadcast for audiences. For example, we encourage producers to use the ‘Women on Air’ database, an online tool which helps identify new voices who are expert in their fields and can contribute to programmes.
Ensuring greater equity, diversity and inclusion throughout the media industry underpins all our work. Through our Sound & Vision funding scheme, we help to facilitate the production of new programmes for screen and radio which deliver a greater diversity of voices, stories and perspectives. In general, the scheme increases the availability and visibility of culturally relevant and Irish-language content for Irish audiences, supporting the enhancement of creativity and innovation, as well as greater sustainability, within the broadcasting and independent production sectors.
Our Sectoral learning & development funding and sponsorship supports the running of – and access to – training, events, seminars and conferences for the media industry.
Accessibility of content
As the regulator of TV broadcast media in Ireland, there are Access Rules in place that aim to promote the understanding and enjoyment of television programmes by people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and those who are blind or vision impaired. These pertain to the provision of access services including subtitling, Irish Sign Language (ISL) and audio description, by public service broadcasters (RTÉ, TG4 and Oireachtas TV), commercial television services (Virgin Media TV) and community television services.
More information
Find out more about equality, diversity & inclusion with our organisation.