Labour’s Diversity in Broadcasting Bill would ensure better representation of diverse voices

Labour arts and media spokesperson Marie Sherlock said the time has come to amplify the voices of women and people of colour on our radio stations. Launching her Diversity in Broadcasting Bill today, Senator Sherlock said making it onto a playlist can be a life changing experience for artists, however there are many great female artists who are simply not getting a platform to perform their work.

Senator Sherlock said:

“I am proud to launch this Bill today would ensure greater representation of women and people of colour on our airwaves. Over 3,200,000 people tune in radio in this country every day. As highlighted by Why Not Her, making it onto a playlist can be a life changing experience, however there are also great female artist who are simply not getting a platform to perform their work. This Bill aims to redress this imbalance.

“We’re conscious that the majority of producers and stations are already doing their best to platform diverse voices, and this legislation will empower them to continue to do the right thing. Ireland has an abundance of talent and this legislation is about amplifying the voices of women and artists of colour both in terms of music but also in panel shows and contributions to discussions on the airwaves.

“We need to ensure there is a level playing field. We know that we have some brilliant emerging talent here in Ireland with Soulé, Tolü Makay, Cherry Dragon, Gemma Bradley and Denise Chaila and established talent such as Imelda May, and yet Why Not Her’s report published last week reflects the disadvantage they are at relative to male artists.

“This bill is about accelerating the pace of change that is already happening on our airwaves.”