Media

If someone claims mysteriously that they are working ‘in the media’ this does not necessarily mean they produce their own radio show or direct RTE’s newest Sex and the City rip-off. Employment in the media industry can take on many shapes and forms so it is worth researching what sector you hope to conquer before you delve in…

Current Climate
The advent and continuous growth of digital media on an international stage means that there are great opportunities for graduates with computer skills to rise within this notoriously competitive industry. Applicants with diverse capabilities, an impressive knowledge of the media and a fierce motivation and imagination are always welcome. The Irish radio, film and televison industries are quickly becoming world respected; with Once being both Bob Dylan's and Steven Spielberg's favourite films of last year. It's an exciting and interesting time to get involved in media.

Know Your Place
Researchers: Work within a production team in television and radio. The work involves searching out information, locations, people and archive material for producers and writers of television and radio programmes.

Producer: Initiates the production concept by seeking or generating ideas for production and must then evaluate their commercial/creative potential

Director: Is the leader of the creative team involved in programme making

Editor: Film/video tape editors prepare film and video tape for the production of a final version for showing. Close liaison with producers and directors is necessary.

Web Designer: Use a combination of design and IT skills to produce web pages for the Internet. They need to achieve a balance between interesting design and ease of use.

Sound recording engineers: work in recording studios or on location. They set up the equipment performers need to make music recordings, record the performance and then use specialist equipment to edit and enhance it

Production Assistants (P.A.s):  Work as part of the production team providing administrative, and organisational support throughout the production process. Several Production Assistants could be employed on a team, depending on the size and budget of the production.

Show Me the Money
Experience is the most valuable commodity in this industry. Bearing this in mind you should expect wages to be low in the first year or so; rookie researchers may only earn Minimum Wage in the beginning. In general salaries are around €20,000 to €25,000 for graduates yet room for improvement and development is good and talented workers can fins this figure rising steadily and quickly.

Top Tip
Many graduates are opting to undertake a postgrad in order to specialise in a particular area; while a degree in media is impressive employers are also aware of the broad content it involves; a further qualification in a certain subject will make a CV stand out.

Further Resources
Radio Teilifís Éireann (RTE)
Donnybrook
Dublin 4
Phone: 01 208 3111
Web: www.rte.ie
Email: info@rte.ie

Broadcasting Commission of Ireland
2-5 Warrington Place
Dublin 2
Phone: 01 644 1200
Web: www.bci.ie
Email: info@bci.ie

Irish Film and Television Network (IFTN)
First Floor, Palmerstown Centre
Kennelsfort Road
Dublin 20
Phone: 01 620 0811
Web: http://www.iftn.com/
Email: info@iftn.ie

Ardmore Studios
Herbert Road
Bray
Co. Wicklow
Phone: 01 286 2971
Web: http://www.ardmore.ie/

The Dublin Media Centre
1st Floor, Marina House
Clarence Street
Dun Laoghaire
Co Dublin
Phone: 01 2844 738
Web: http://www.dublinmediacentre.com/
Email: info@dublinmediacentre.com