by Ricardo Castellini da Silva, Media Literacy Consultant
There is a growing need for media literacy trainers and ambassadors worldwide. In Ireland, with more media literacy themed projects being funded under Sound and Vision applications, it has become clear that there is a demand not just for awareness, but for skilled trainers who could support media literacy across the Irish TV and radio sectors.
With this in mind, Learning Waves commissioned a media literacy training programme specifically tailored for the independent radio sector. In partnership with Media Literacy Ireland, I developed a programme that took the form of a ‘train-the-trainer’ initiative: five facilitated online modules of 2.5 hours each, followed by an additional peer-support and skills development session. Each module was designed to achieve a balance between theory and practical activities, with slide decks, extra resources and detailed notes made available to all participants for future reference.
Our goal was to foster a group of informed, confident media professionals who could act as ambassadors and informal trainers, embedding media literacy principles and practices into their daily work on air, online and behind the scenes. We had a small but highly engaged group of 10 participants who, after the programme, will be able to support colleagues and contribute to training within the sector.
Our content covered a broad range of topics. We started with the foundations, helping participants critically evaluate media messages, recognise media bias, and understand the influence of media ownership and algorithms. From there, we moved into creative and ethical content production, with an inspiring contribution by Joanne Sweeney from the Digital Training Institute, who emphasised responsible digital storytelling and the importance of civic media literacy.
We also addressed a less-often discussed but important topic: media and wellbeing. Thanks to the expertise of Áine O’Meara, Headline Programme Leader at Shine, we explored how media impacts mental health, both for creators and consumers, and how digital platforms shape emotional wellbeing. Another essential area we discussed was information integrity, from spotting disinformation and evaluating sources, to different types of information manipulation, to understanding the role of news media in promoting critical thinking.
Recognising the fast-evolving digital media landscape, we dedicated an entire module to the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the media. Guided by Aphra Kerr, Professor of Digital Media and Communications at UCD, participants explored the ethical implications of algorithms, disinformation, and the responsible use of AI in journalism and content creation.
Finally, the programme concluded with a peer-to-peer session where participants could practice creating and delivering a proposal for a media literacy training project, improving their confidence for their future roles as media literacy advocates.
I hope that this programme not only equipped participants with critical knowledge and practical skills, but also laid the foundation for a wider cultural shift within the radio sector, one that values media literacy as a route to enhancing critical thinking, ethical storytelling, and resilience against misinformation.