Community media centre on Cork's northside gives locals a platform to create

A new community media centre has been launched in Cork city as part of a festival celebrating community television.

The Cork Community Media Hub, which is located in Hollyhill, was launched by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Green Party councillor Dan Boyle.

The launch took place during the annual Community Television Festival, which began on Friday, November 22, with a special ceremony at City Hall.

Speaking at the festival, Mr Boyle said it celebrated the key role of community television in local democracy, adding that the new media hub would be an invaluable addition to the social infrastructure of the city.

“There’s never been a better time for community media to give us what’s needed, and protect what needs to be protected in terms of truth itself, and I think it’s the responsibility of local government and national government to make sure that we do cherish it and support it,” Mr Boyle said.

Emma Bowell, co-ordinator of Cork Community Media Hub, said the new premises on the northside would give local communities the opportunity to create media content.

“It’s been a long journey to get here but we’re absolutely delighted that Cork Community Media Hub is now open and we can get on with the important work of working with groups around the city to tell their stories” Ms Bowell said.

She added that the Cork Community Media Hub would be a new social enterprise in the city where community organisations could be facilitated to make media content for broadcast on Cork Community TV, or for use on social media platforms, including video production and podcasting.

Community television stations currently exist in Cork, Dublin, and Belfast, offering a platform to show content produced by their local communities.

They are not-for-profit channels that are regulated by Coimisiún na Meán.