Pictured L-R: Martina Chapman, National Coordinator for Media Literacy Ireland; Stephanie Comey, Co-chair of Media Literacy Ireland; Susan Daly, editor with The Journal; Patrick O’Donovan, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media of Ireland; Dr Rosemary Day, Head of the Department of Media & Communications at MIC; and Eileen Culloty, Vice-Chair of Media Literacy Ireland.
Mary Immaculate College (MIC) was pleased to host the first-ever Media Literacy Ireland / EDMO Ireland Forum focused on countering disinformation through media literacy collaborations on Monday, 23 June. The event brought together media professionals, academics, civil society organisations, and policymakers to discuss the growing challenge of disinformation and the importance of media literacy in building a more resilient society.
Opening the forum, Minister for Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Patrick O’Donovan TD, spoke about the recently published National Counter Disinformation Strategy, stating:
“I am delighted to attend today's forum on disinformation, hosted by my Alma Mater, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. I would also like to thank the European Digital Media Observatory and Media Literacy Ireland for organising. As acknowledged in the National Counter Disinformation Strategy, ongoing cooperation and collaboration between relevant stakeholders will be essential if we are to overcome the challenges presented by disinformation.”
Published earlier this year, the National Counter Disinformation Strategy (NCDS) was a recommendation of the Future of Media Commission that met during and after COVID-19. The Strategy itself was developed by a working group comprised of a diverse mix of representatives from industry, academia, civil society, and Government Departments. Among its key actions is a call to adopt a lifelong learning approach, empowering all citizens with the skills and confidence to critically engage with media, a mission that aligns closely with the long-standing work of Media Literacy Ireland and the goals of EDMO Ireland.
Today’s forum marks the beginning of what will become an annual forum to review Ireland’s counter-disinformation strategies and policies and assess the needs and opportunities in the media literacy landscape, particularly among practitioners such as journalists, educators, researchers, and civil society organisations.
This year’s forum focused on the local and community media sector, long recognised as one of the most trusted sources of news in Ireland. The forum also highlighted innovation and community engagement within this sector, celebrating its vital contribution to informed public discourse.
It was particularly fitting for the event to take place at MIC, where community and local media are both studied and practised. Head of the MIC Department of Media and Communication Studies, Dr Rosemary Day, has been a leading advocate and researcher in the field of community radio for over 30 years.
Dr Eileen Culloty, co-chair of Media Literacy Ireland and coordinator of EDMO Ireland, noted:
"Disinformation is a complex problem with no easy solutions. Media literacy is not about telling people what to think, but helping them make informed choices about the information they consume. This annual forum will review efforts to promote media literacy and identify opportunities to collaborate."
Commenting on the relevance of the forum to MIC’s educational mission, President of MIC, Prof. Dermot Nestor, noted: "As an institution dedicated to education at all levels, MIC understands that media literacy is no longer optional; it is now essential. We are proud to host a forum that places lifelong learning and critical engagement with media at the heart of the national response to disinformation. Events like this underscore the critical role that educators, researchers, and media practitioners play in shaping an informed and resilient society."
Click here to learn more about the National Counter Disinformation Strategy.
