On Wednesday, 25th February, Sustainable Media Ireland held its annual conference in PorterShed, the first time it’s been outside of Dublin.
Ably MC’d by Caitríona Nic an tSaoir, from TG4, she kicked off the day by introducing Ard-Stiúrthóir Deirdre Ní Choistín, who welcomed attendees on behalf of TG4. Aoife MacEvilly, broadcasting and VOD commissioner with Coimisiún na Meán, welcomed guests on behalf of Coimisiún na Meán.
Everyone was blown away by climate advocate and UCC student Sumaya Muhammed who spoke passionately about what drove her to take part in climate activism while in secondary school and how important it is to be hopeful going forward.
Glen Mulcahy, media innovation strategist, gave an eye-opening and timely presentation on AI, how it started, and the trajectory it may be going in the coming years.
Caitríona Ní Chualáin, weather and continuity presenter at TG4, moderated a lively panel discussion on extreme weather and resilience for the media with Fionnuala Rabbitt, CEO of Galway Bay FM, Keith Cunningham, radio presenter with Cork’s Red FM and Michael Murray, Public Safety Manager at ESB Networks.
In the afternoon, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe student union’s environmental awareness & sustainability officer Molly Hickey offered further insight to the youth perspective of climate change and described how students are approaching the subject in their university.
Media Development director with Coimisiún na Meán, Sinéad Crowley spoke via zoom with Zen Barry, the BBC’s sustainability manager, who described the BBC’s efforts to improve screen sustainability and the decarbonisation of their productions.
Michael Byrne from Screen Ireland moderated an informative case study on the sustainable actions taken on the productions of Ros na Rún and The Dry, with production manager Mairead Campbell and sustainability advisor Daragh Goan describing the practical ways they have integrated sustainability in their work. Michael called on the industry to set a date to rid the industry of diesel use.
After lunch, producer/director Paddy Hayes had a poignant conversation with friends and colleagues of Manchán Magan, as they described the impact his work had on language, biodiversity and Irish culture. He was joined by Proinsias Ní Ghráinne, TG4 commissioning editor, producer and director Maurice O’Brien and wildlife documentary presenter, Eoin Warner.
Following on, Trevor Ó Clochartaigh from TG4, gave a summary of SMI’s aims in improving sustainability in the media and the work of the Steering Group.
Rebecca Wilson from the Rediscovery Centre, explained the centre’s approach in leading Ireland’s transition to a circular economy and engaged with the audience on their planning communications hub.
The day wrapped with closing remarks from Rónán Ó Domhnaill, media development commissioner with Coimisiún na Meán, as he thanked TG4 and the PorterShed for hosting the event.
