Momentum has a long-established reputation in education and advancing literacy in communities across Europe. This work includes media literacy, which is now more important than ever. UNESCO defines media literacy as the knowledge and skills needed to critically and effectively engage with media—covering content, the institutions that produce and distribute it, and the technologies involved.
Media Literacy Ireland hosted its annual conference in Dublin on November 26th. Media Literacy Ireland is an informal alliance of individuals and organisations working together, largely voluntarily, to promote media literacy across Ireland. Momentum team member Denise Callan attended in her role as Communications and Dissemination Lead for the Horizon Europe ARENAS project. The ARENAS project analyses the origins and circulation of extremist narratives, and works to develop tools to support educators, policy makers and journalists to combat the impact of extremist narratives.
This year’s Media Literacy Ireland conference theme was: Media Literacy: Supporting Communities, Fostering Citizenship, Promoting Democracy.
Aoife MacEvilly, Broadcasting and Video on Demand Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán, opened the event by highlighting the importance of a media environment that upholds democratic values and supports citizens and communities in becoming well-informed. Coimisiún na Meán is Ireland’s agency for developing and regulating a thriving, diverse, creative, safe, and trusted media landscape.
The keynote address was delivered by Roslyn Kratochvil Moore from Deutsche Welle Akademie, on the topic: Democracy’s Missing Infrastructure: Why Community-Based Media Literacy Matters.
Deutsche Welle (DW) is Germany’s international broadcaster, providing impartial news and fostering global participation in social debates. DW Akademie serves as its hub for education, media development, and knowledge transfer.
The conference featured three dynamic panel discussions:
- Fostering Media Freedom and Media Pluralism Through Media Literacy – in collaboration with Coimisiún na Meán
- Promoting Information Integrity: Rising to the Challenge – in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport
- Making Sense of AI: Building Literacy for a New Media Landscape – in collaboration with ADAPT, Ireland’s world-leading research centre for AI-driven digital content technology
Each panel concluded with interactive table discussions, where attendees worked together to address key questions, fostering lively debate and collaboration. The event brought together academics, government officials, adult education leaders, library services, major international digital platforms, civil society organisations, and media representatives.
Speaking after the conference, Denise noted that, ‘The conference was a valuable opportunity to share the work of ARENAS with influential figures in media, education, and government, many of whom are connected to wider European networks. It also supported Momentum’s continued commitment to collaborating with European partners to ensure media literacy remains a cornerstone of democratic societies.
