USI Welcomes Youth Radio as Political Engagement Tool

national | public consultation / irish social forum | press release Thursday May 18, 2006 18:45 by Union of Students in Ireland Union of Students in Ireland, Grattan Street, Dublin 2, Ireland 01 435 3400

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has said a new radio station in the northwest dedicated to young adults should reflect the views and concerns of young people and students, and not just focus on entertainment.

USI WELCOMES YOUTH RADIO AS POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT TOOL

18 May 2006

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has said a new radio station in the northwest dedicated to young adults should reflect the views and concerns of young people and students, and not just focus on entertainment.

In failing to adequately reflect the views of older teenagers and ‘twentysomethings’, parts of the media contribute to the sense that many young people have of being alienated from the political process and public debate.

USI believes this sense of being marginalised in public debate affects the number of young people turning out to vote in elections, which has been low in recent years.

USI President Tony McDonnell said: “USI welcomes the new youth radio station for the northwest, which if run well could give a badly-needed voice to young people to air their concerns about social issues, and to engage in topics they are interested in.

“After being ignored for so long by ‘Big Media’, USI hopes that regional youth radio could offer a new platform for the concerns of young people to receive proper airtime. Politicians sometimes think they can disregard the things that young people ask for because – in the national media – the voice of youth appears very quiet. That is no fault of young people.

“The priorities and perspectives of young people and students – from environmentalism to equality, to the anti-war movement – often often reflect an idealistic concern for the world and its people. That is something to be celebrated not swept under the carpet, and USI hopes the Broadcasting Commission will see fit to offer further youth radio licenses in the future.”

Ends

For more information please contact:

Tony McDonnell, USI President 086 8374104
Daniel Wood, Representation Executive 01 4353400