Ireland’s media regulator has published a new gender, equality, diversity and inclusion strategy that encourages media organisations to make sweeping changes such as introducing anti-racism and unconscious bias training in an effort to better represent “the diversity of Irish society”.
The Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Strategy is currently a non-legally binding guidance document that was developed in consultation with bodies working in the area of diversity and inclusion among others, and it will apply to those involved in film, television, radio, audio and animation production.
While currently it isn’t legally binding, the document quotes guidance suggesting that in considering the most suitable mechanism for the delivery of GEDI goals, binding powers may be appropriate.
The strategy’s “key objective” is stated as being supporting the Irish audio and audiovisual media sector in “planning, developing and delivering a range of strategic activities and initiatives according to best practice, with a view to fostering a media landscape that is representative of, and accessible to, the diversity of Irish society”.
To this end, discussions and consultations were carried out with stakeholders, interest and representative groups, statutory authorities and GEDI and other experts, who are listed towards the end of the document – some of which have previously received funding as part of Coimisiún na Meán schemes.
Gorm Media is listed as one of the participants in 2023 consultations, an organisation that cultivates “a community of Unifiers (individuals, communities and businesses), we bring about social and narrative change through digital media and evidence-based intercultural training and consultancy,” according to its website. It does this because, according to its website:
“In Ireland, we are becoming a more diverse society, yet we are becoming increasingly divided. While Ireland grapples with the new and existing multicultural reality, it is buckling under the weight of toxic polarisation, high mistrust towards the ‘other’, and out-group scapegoating—divisions that are now being exploited in online and social media spaces.”
X-Pollinator is another previous recipient of Coimisiún na Meán funding that was consulted during the development of the GEDI strategy, and is described as “a cross-disciplinary professional development and networking initiative for female, trans and non-binary talent launched four years ago, setting out to help rapidly address gender diversity in the Irish screen industry”.
Other groups consulted include the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, LGBTI, and the National Women’s Council of Ireland.
The GEDI strategy is based on four “key, interrelated pillars” according to the document, which each contain a variety of tools and actions for accomplishing greater diversity of access and representation in the media. Some of the tools include:
These tools are listed under a variety of “key principles,” such as “Reflecting the diversity of Irish society across the range of programming genres,” and “Promoting an inclusive society, where diverse groups are treated with fairness and dignity. Fighting stereotypes, hate speech and denigration”.
The media regulator intends to continue consultations going forward, and will establish a steering committee for the GEDI strategy and an annual GEDI Forum within the sector.
“The role of such a forum would include (among others): the provision of a platform for discussion and for engagement with different groups and communities; sharing best practice examples and case studies; contributing to the development of GEDI standards in relation to funding; contributing to the development of templates for carrying out anonymous staff diversity surveys across the industry,” the strategy reads.
Annual reporting on GEDI actions and the development of standards for the sector are planned by Coimisiún na Meán also, as part of the effort to institutionalise GEDI measures in the Irish audio and audiovisual media space.