FridayOL

A Vital Investment in Irish News and Information

In an era of increasing online noise and the spread of misinformation, the role of public interest media has never been more crucial. That's why we're thrilled to announce a new media development project specifically designed to strengthen the foundations of Irish journalism, combat disinformation, and inform vital media policy decisions.

This project builds directly on our existing commitment to supporting a vibrant and reliable media landscape. We recognise the challenges facing news organisations – from declining advertising revenue to the rise of social media platforms that often prioritise engagement over accuracy. These pressures can undermine the ability of journalists to pursue in-depth reporting, hold power to account, and provide the informed public discourse essential for a healthy democracy.

What Will This Project Do?

Our new initiative will focus on several key areas:

• Strengthening Public Interest Media: We’ll be providing grants and resources to support public service broadcasters and independent news organisations across Ireland. This will enable them to invest in investigative journalism, local news coverage, and innovative storytelling approaches.
• Combating Disinformation: The spread of false and misleading information online poses a serious threat to public trust and informed decision-making. We’ll be working with media organisations, fact-checkers, and technology platforms to develop strategies for identifying, debunking, and mitigating the impact of disinformation. This includes supporting media literacy initiatives to equip citizens with the skills to critically evaluate online content.
• Informing Media Policy: A robust and independent media sector requires a supportive regulatory environment. We’ll be conducting research and analysis to inform evidence-based media policy recommendations, advocating for policies that promote media pluralism, transparency, and accountability.

Why is This Important for Ireland?

A strong, independent media is a cornerstone of Irish democracy. It ensures that citizens are well-informed, that government actions are scrutinised, and that diverse voices are heard. This project is an investment in the future of Irish journalism and the health of our public discourse.

We believe that by supporting public interest media, combating disinformation, and informing media policy, we can help to create a more informed, resilient, and democratic Ireland.

Looking Ahead

We're excited to embark on this important journey and collaborate with media organisations, policymakers, and the public to strengthen the Irish media landscape. We will be regularly updating our website with progress reports and opportunities for engagement. Stay tuned for more information on how you can get involved!