Women in Media Belfast

31/12/2023

Announcement! Thanks to Lagan Investments - website sponsor for 2024. We have lots coming up in 2024. Get in touch with your ideas. And Happy New Year from Team 🎉 https://www.wimbelfast.com/voices/wimb-website-sponsors-for-2024

21/12/2023

Have a great Christmas and New Year everyone. We have exciting plans for 2024. See you then! 💝

03/12/2023

Women in Media Belfast getting behind .sellssanctuary festive campaign👏🏻
Raffle to win copies of stunning high quality prints closing soon: https://shesellssanctuary.bigcartel.com

02/12/2023

The National Union of Journalists Belfast branch is organising its Christmas dinner event for Monday, December 11.
If any NUJ members are interested please contact the branch to book your place 🎄🤶🏻🎅🏻🥳

16/11/2023

So many opportunities for journalists, media workers and creatives to use apps to tell stories. Belfast Media Festival BBC Academy

16/11/2023

When diversity meets creativity: empowering inclusivity in the media sector, chaired by Lata Sharma ~ Belfast Media Festival https://www.pact.co.uk/members-hub/d-i-resources.html

15/11/2023

Speech delivered by BBC Chief Content Officer Charlotte Moore at the Belfast Media Festival on 15 November 2023

15/11/2023

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15/11/2023

Women in Media Belfast helping the Éadach by Sara O'Neill ‘Millie’ production line Christmas cards raising funds for Women's Aid Federation Northern Ireland. Patricia’s experience in the shirt factory in Derry landed her the shop steward role!

13/11/2023

Check it out. Lots of sessions which may be of interest.

More than 1,500 people are expected to descend on The Mac, Belfast for the opening of the 14th Belfast Media Festival (BMF) entitled ‘A City in Motion’ whi

08/11/2023

Belfast Media Festival is on November 15 & 16. For free registration and/or to see the full schedule of events please go to belfastmediafestival.co.uk

25/10/2023

FYI

FAO UK media workers. I am one of the judges in this year’s Regional Press Awards. The standard entry deadline is fast approaching - November 9, 2023. To enter , or for more information, please visit www.theregionalpressawards.com

24/10/2023

NEW: To register for FREE for this year’s festival, go to www.belfastmediafestival.co.uk and follow the latest news about the sessions via BMF’s social handles on X, Instagram and facebook using hashtag

Statement: BELFAST MEDIA FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES EXCITING TWO-DAY PROGRAMME AT THE MAC IN NOVEMBER

The 14th Belfast Media Festival (BMF) will be held in the MAC Belfast on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 November, following its largest turnout ever in 2022, when more than 1000 people turned up to hear from 40 distinguished speakers.

This year’s BMF entitled ‘A City in Motion’, in partnership with Northern Ireland Screen and BBC Northern Ireland, promises to build on last year’s success by offering those currently working in the screen industries and students the opportunity to hear from leaders in their fields about current industry issues and trends. It also provides valuable networking opportunities with leading representatives from across the media landscape in the UK, Ireland, Europe and beyond in Belfast for this prestigious festival.

Jennifer Johnston, Chair of BMF said: “We are delighted to return to the MAC with a packed programme of events featuring an impressive line-up of speakers, creatives and decision makers from across the screen industries. Opening the festival will be Channel 4’s Chief Content Officer Ian Katz on Wednesday 15 November talking to Big Mountain’s Jane Kelly about the challenges facing the channel; while Charlotte Moore, Chief Content Officer of BBC will deliver the RTS NI Dan Gilbert Lecture that afternoon. A bumper schedule for 2023 sees sessions with award winning film-makers, podcasters and gamers. We are excited to bring everyone together for what has become a key event in the industry calendar and we look forward to announcing the full schedule in the coming weeks.”

Eddie Doyle, Head of Content Commissioning, BBC NI said: “The Belfast Media Festival is the perfect platform to celebrate the amazing growth of Northern Ireland’s creative industries and to recognise the strength of our home-grown talent now operating both across the UK and on the global stage. For anyone interested in a career in broadcasting, film or gaming this is the place to be next month.”

Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen commented: “Building on the success of last year’s festival, the 14th Belfast Media Festival programme has something for everyone, it is a platform for industry professionals and students alike to foster collaboration and innovation, drive industry growth and inspire new possibilities.”

Vittoria Cafolla, Producer, BMF said: “We are planning to have talent from behind some of the most successful UK and Irish productions in Belfast to share their insights, identify trends and discuss the hot issues facing the different creative sectors . All these high-profile speakers from across film, TV and gaming are aiming to excite, refresh and inspire attendees at all levels in their careers during BMF 2023.”

The BMF is grateful to the support of its long running partners BBC Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen along with many other industry sponsors and supporters who help to ensure the event remains free for attendees including: Afro Mic Productions, Balloo Hire, BAFTA, BECTU, Below the Radar, Big Mountain Productions, Channel 4, Creative Skillset/Screenskills, Disney+, Doubleband Films, Element Pictures, Film Hub NI, Film TV Charity, Gallagher Films, Hastings Hotels, Hat Trick and Hindsight Productions, Nice One Productions, PACT, Paper Owl Films, Potato TV, Production Unlocked, Rare TV, RTÉ, RTS NI, Stellify Media, TG4, Tyrone Productions, The Writers Guild Of Great Britain and The Ulster Screen Academy.

This year’s BMF Committee comprises Jennifer Johnston, Chair from Northern Ireland Screen; Mary McKeagney, BBC NI; Bridin Ni Mhaoldomhnaig, Rory Clifford and Heidi McAlpin, Northern Ireland Screen; Gavin Halpin, Paper Owl Films; Kevin Beimers, Italic Pig; Mary Johnston, Doubleband Films; Sara Gunn-Smith, Film Hub NI and Vikkie Taggart, Stellify Media.

Join us at the Belfast Media Festival, your gateway to inspiration, innovation, and creative connections.

19/10/2023

CATEGORY LIST below

CIPR announce return of NI Media Awards in Partnership with Ulster Bank

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations Northern Ireland (CIPR NI) has today (19th October) announced that the Northern Ireland Media Awards will return in 2024 in partnership with Ulster Bank.

After a seven-year hiatus, the awards will return to Belfast’s Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC) on Friday 9th February, honouring a host of journalists, presenters, and media outlets across a range of 24 categories.



The awards will be sponsored by Ulster Bank Northern Ireland who hosted members of the CIPR and the local media sector at a special launch event in the bank’s Donegall Square East headquarters earlier this afternoon.



Introducing the event, Regional Board Engagement Manager, Gillian McCandless, said it was a great opportunity for Ulster Bank to support the local media industry in what was an exciting time for the sector.



“We are really pleased to join forces with the CIPR NI committee to support the return of these awards. A vibrant, thriving media sector benefits all sections of society and as a purpose-led bank, it’s important that we have the platforms and outlets we need to communicate with our customers and peers.

“Local media has been going through a period of evolution and this is something we can relate to within our own industry so I hope we can learn from each other and forge closer relationships as we move through this process.”



Current CIPR NI Chair, Brittany Breslin, also addressed the room and gave an overview of what media can expect from these awards.



“The Northern Ireland Media Awards have traditionally been an opportunity for PR professionals to shine a light on local journalistic excellence, acknowledging their dedication to delivering carefully researched, expertly reported, and accurate news. In a time of clickbait, misinformation and division in our society, the role that professional journalists have to play is more valuable than ever.



“Over recent months we have engaged across the media and CIPR membership in Northern Ireland to gauge feedback on the proposed format, categories, and approach to judging. We are confident that the awards will represent media today and that all media feel included in the categories put forward and in process.



“We have been delighted with the enthusiastic response we received from editors across print, broadcast and online media, and hope to see a good volume of entries being received.”



In total, awards will be presented across 24 categories including Media Outlet of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Journalist of the Year and Piece of Journalism of the year. Over the coming weeks, the CIPR committee will publish more information about the entry process and judges and expects to announce the shortlist in early 2024. As a gesture of goodwill to welcome the return of the awards, there will be no entry fee for award submissions.

Keep an eye on CIPR NI social media channels for further information or visit the CIPR NI website to download an initial entry form.

Full list of categories:

Media Outlet of the Year – Print / Digital
Media Outlet of the Year – Broadcast
Media Outlet of the Year – Regional
Journalist of the Year – Digital / Print
Journalist of Year – Broadcast
Journalist of the Year – Regional
Best Piece of Journalism
Photographer or Videographer of the Year
Business Journalist of the Year
Sport Journalist of the Year
Magazine or Supplement of the Year
Broadcast Programme of the Year – News
Broadcast Programme of the Year – Current Affairs
Broadcast Programme of the Year – Entertainment
Editorial Campaign of the Year
Best Use of Social Media – By a Media Organisation
Best Use of Social Media – By a Journalist / Individual
Best Podcast Episode
Newcomer Award
Student Journalist of the Year
CIPR Lifetime Achievement Award

19/10/2023

NEW: Our friends invited us to a special launch event in Belfast today. The Northern Ireland Media Awards are back on Friday, February 9, 2024.

Details to follow!

17/10/2023

Our thoughts are with Irish News colleagues. Hugh Russell’s funeral is tomorrow, and the sad news today of Dawn Egan’s death. Dawn has been remembered as “a trusted friend and a pioneer for women”

Tributes have been paid to a veteran Irish News journalist who will be remembered as a "trusted friend" by colleagues following her death.

12/10/2023

Wishing Barbara McCann all the best. Looking forward to seeing her back on our screens soon.

Veteran UTV journalist Barbara McCann is urging women to heed advice about attending mammograms ahead of her own first cancer surgery on Friday.

07/10/2023

Good vibes only🙏🏻 Niamh is a talented journalist and a valued part of the WIMB team. So great to hear emerging journalists are seeking her advice. We are all on social media, and the website is wimbelfast.com

03/10/2023

NEW: Freelance Forum Autumn 2023
Venue: Gresham Hotel, 20-23 O’Connell Street Upper, Dublin 1.
Date: Monday 16 October 2023
Cost: €5 NUJ members, non-members €20.
Book here:

Freelance Forum Autumn 2023 Freelance Forum Autumn 2023 is coming soon. Mark your diary now, and reserve your place below for Freelance Forum Autumn 2023 on Monday 16 October. Reserve your place today The Autumn 2023 Freelance Forum will consist of a one-day in person event at the Gresham Hotel, Dub...

30/09/2023

A few pics from The Radio Academy and Women in Media Belfast autumn social. It was a lovely event. The contribution from the five young journalists was particularly thought provoking. And we chatted with friends old and new. Thanks to the team at the MAC, Jawbox Gin and McConnell’s Irish Whisky. The door is always open if you have any questions or ideas for projects. And if we can’t help we’ll usually be able to point you in the right direction.

25/09/2023

Final shout out for our event with the Radio Academy on Thursday https://www.wimbelfast.com/voices/vlday9wkjvrjpsd99sflq0lk8gl0sd

Hello all. The details of our autumn social at the MAC on Thursday, September 28, 5pm-9pm are all here: CLICK HERE FOR EVENT DETAILS You don’t have to be a woman or a broadcaster to attend. All welcome. RSVP or if you have any questions please email Amanda Ferguson [email protected] and/or R

21/09/2023

WIMB and RADIO ACADEMY AUTUMN SOCIAL AT THE MAC THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 5PM-9PM. Full details on the website.

Meet the journalists… https://www.wimbelfast.com/voices/the-wimb-radio-academy-autumn-social-is-a-week-away-meet-the-women

07/09/2023

NEW: Radio Academy and WIMB autumn social at the MAC September 28. Contact details for WIMB and Radio Academy are on the website here: https://www.wimbelfast.com/voices/vlday9wkjvrjpsd99sflq0lk8gl0sd

15/05/2023

Check out the National Union of Journalists & Society of Editors
Journalists Safety Toolkit - Digital violence: Why it cannot be 'part of the job'...

15/05/2023

Great WIJ online event 'In Conversation: Women, misogyny and the media with Laura Bates and Busola Evans. You can read more about WiJ here:

'The media is the prism through which the world sees itself. For it to be fair and accurate we need all kinds of people from a host of diverse backgrounds telling all sorts of stories. That makes great journalism.' Our Purpose We are supporting

13/05/2023

The list includes a number of women journalists. Check it out.

Golfer Rory McIlroy is Northern Ireland’s most followed person on Twitter, according to a new list published by the Belfast Telegraph.

20/04/2023

One of the highlights of the week was being a guest at the Women Leading Change lunch with some amazing women in the Great Hall of Queen’s University Belfast. And thanks to our host QUB Chancellor Hillary Clinton for sharing the story with her millions of online followers!