DCU students focus on domestic abuse for charity broadcast

This year, DCU’s Media Production Society will be running their 10th annual DCUtv 24 Hour Broadcast.

The award-winning event takes place the first weekend of December every year, on Dublin City University’s Glasnevin Campus. MPS members commit to staying on campus in the School of Communications building, the Henry Grattan, for 24 hours, producing a live-streamed broadcast all in aid of charity. This year though, the society has changed things up, by moving the location of the broadcast to The U Building, the university’s student centre.

For the 2019 Broadcast, the Media Production Society has decided to hold the event in aid of Sonas, which is the largest provider of frontline services to women and children experiencing domestic abuse in the greater Dublin region. The charity was suggested by committee members Gilleesa Gillen and Kate O’Grady, the Brand Design Officer and Secretary.

When speaking about why Sonas is so important to her, Gilleesa said, "The work that Sonas does has saved the lives of women and children, it’s given them a new chance at life and provided a helping hand when it probably seemed like there was no help to get.”

She also explained that since its a tough topic to address, its a lesser-known charity. Thus, it felt all the more important to support.

Sonas CEO Fiona Ryan explained: “Sonas supports hundreds of women and children every year experiencing domestic abuse. The majority of victims of abuse will never tell anyone. The decision by DCU’s Media Production Society to make domestic abuse the focus of its 10th annual DCUtv 24 Hour Broadcast could help change this for some.

Ryan continued, stating that, "The fact that the broadcast is happening during the 16 Days of Action to end Violence Against Women means that the DCU Media Production Society’s initiative is being echoed across the country."

It's absolutely incredible to see the huge impact the event is already making. Last year, with a goal of €7,000, the Broadcast succeeded in raising over €11,000 through fundraising and donations. This year the target goal is €8,000 and the society hopes to reach, if not exceed, the amount for this year’s chosen charity.

DCUtv and Bank of Ireland’s 24 Hour Broadcast in aid of Sonas runs from 9 pm on Friday, December 6 to 9 pm Saturday, December 7. To watch this year’s Broadcast and donate to Sonas, go online to www.dcu-mps.com.

You can also get involved with the Broadcast on social media by using the hashtag #DCUtv24

Great work MPS!