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1 nomination from readers

• Media Ireland should win this award as they have successfully established a sustainable social enterprise in a highly competitive commercial sector – operating a radio and TV station in less than 12 months.

  During this short operational period, they have promoted active local participation and provided free accredited training (META Europe Standard) to almost 70 volunteers, the volunteer broadcasters come from a wide range of backgrounds with various abilities, including physical disabilities and special learning needs who work alongside able bodied volunteers as equals. These volunteers now run the stations with some staff support, contributing to the longest provision of broadcast in the region with the greatest variety of content.

  Media Ireland also provides short and longer-term placement opportunities for students, which has a major impact on their skills and experience in the practical production, editing and presenting of radio and TV programmes.

  The support they have given to other Social Enterprises and the sector generally, through programming and airtime has been substantial.

  Media Ireland was the catalyst, which led to the establishment of the Community Media Council for Northern Ireland, representing the sector to the regulator and to government, it now has a significant local impact in terms of challenging local politicians and holding local bodies publicly to account.

  While the enterprise places an emphasis on working with young people and those at risk of being marginalized or socially excluded, it is not at the expense or exclusion of any other person or group and provision of broadcasting airtime to ethnic minorities groups is also taking place. (Polish & soon to be Latvian, Lithuanian & Portuguese)

  The voluntary directors are operationally totally committed to the sustainability of the enterprise and willingly give substantial hours to the enterprise free of charge. They are an excellent example of a business that considers its double bottom line having both financial and social benefits, particularly at a time when Northern Ireland is emerging from its troubled past, as Newry had the highest casualty rate per capita during the conflict.

  Nominated by Pauline Coghlan, 09 April 2008

3 comments from readers

• Great Social Enterprise which has been an inspiration to the community, voluntary and social enterprise sector locally and regionally. They're work has just been recognized by the private sector winning the inaugural Greater Newry Business Award for social enterprise 2008. Good luck & well done.

  Submitted by Stephen McClelland, 06 June 2008

• Media Ireland are based on the same estate on which I work. In the space of less than a year I have witnessed the Iúr FM arm of project grow from nothing to a fully fledged local radio station the output of which is enjoyable, varied and interesting. I am constantly impressed by the drive, enthusiasm and ‘can do’ attitude displayed by the staff and volunteers.

  Submitted by Colin Hanna, 06 June 2008

• Media Ireland which includes Iúr FM is an innovative, energetic and inclusive initiative which is making waves locally withn all sectors. This project is helping to put this new media format on the map. The best of luck to them.

  Submitted by Seán Maguire, 07 June 2008