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Irish Association

for cultural, economic and social relations

Here are some points from the paper by David Lyle at the Drogheda seminar in February 10 2000. They are edited from an incomplete overview script. (See 'Notes for Contributors' for guidelines relating to website editing). RJ.

David Lyle on the Role of the Media


"the principles of full respect for, and the equality of, civil, political, social and cultural rights, of freedom from discrimination for all citizens, and of parity of esteem and of just and equal treatment for the identity, ethos and aspirations of both communities" (The Belfast Agreement)

MEDIA HOMOGENIZATION: A BREACH OF THE AGREEMENT

(MEDIA ANALYSIS DEDUCTIONS)

There are two media markets on the island of Ireland. The fact that Ireland is a small island with only 5.3 million people does not alter this fact. Media in Northern Ireland is very different to media in the Republic of Ireland.

Cultural Convergence - more East/West than North/South

Two Nations diversity.

MUTUAL RESPECT, as agreed in the Belfast Agreement, demands that we RESPECT THESE DIFFERENCES.

ADVERTISING IS BEING USED AS THE CUTTING EDGE OF MEDIA HOMOGENIZATION

In recent years, over £10 million of adspend in Northern Ireland has been cornered by Dublin agencies on the pretext of All-Ireland marketing (supported by implicit protectionism).

This FAILS TO GIVE RESPECT TO the cultures, the identities, the ethos, the infrastructures..

It is A FORM OF "DUBLIN CULTURAL IMPERIALISM; it costs jobs, is divisive, and will deepen the tribalisation.

It is also a threat to cross-community broadcasting balance - further reducing the opportunity to build mutual understanding.

Cross Border Trading must be built on mutual respect, to benefit all communities.

A SUCCESSFUL WORKING RELATIONSHIPS IN ROI involves State, Semi-state and Major Corporate Companies...

DUBLIN'S CORPORATE MEDIA INDUSTRY?

PI Mutual understanding nullified...

CONCLUSION: If you want mutual understanding you need to start with mutual respect...

"We are committed to partnership, equality and mutual respect as the basis of relationships within Northern Ireland, between North and South, and between these islands." (The Belfast Agreement)

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This page was edited by Dr Roy Johnston on March 26 2000