Inaugural national Media Literacy forum held at Limerick College

THE INAUGURAL Media Literacy Ireland/EDMO Ireland Forum took place at Mary Immaculate College (MIC), uniting experts from a wide range of sectors to tackle the growing threat of disinformation online. 

The gathering of media professionals, academics, civil society organisations, and policymakers on Monday, June 23, was in order to discuss the vital role of media literacy in building a more resilient society.

The event focused on the countering of disinformation through media literacy collaborations.

READ MORE: Over 5,000 Limerick families to receive back-to-school clothing allowance

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Patrick O’Donovan TD, officially opened the forum, highlighting the recently launched National Counter Disinformation Strategy (NCDS) in his address.

“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.” said O’Donovan. “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.”

The NCDS was published earlier this year and the strategy 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.

The forum held in MIC 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.

Dr. Eileen Culloty, co-chair of Media Literacy Ireland and coordinator of EDMO Ireland spoke at the forum held,  "This annual forum will review efforts to promote media literacy and identify opportunities to collaborate."

"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.” said Culloty. 

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.” said Nestor. “Events like this underscore the critical role that educators, researchers, and media practitioners play in shaping an informed and resilient society."