[dropcap]F[/dropcap]or the past 11 years, the DCU Media Production Society (MPS) has been known to do the impossible, by keeping their members awake, willingly or otherwise, for an entire twenty-four hours to simply create content and have fun.
However, the 11th DCUtv 24-Hour Broadcast will be somewhat more subdued than previous years, with a substantially lessened live on-campus presence, and an increased amount of recorded shows, while still keeping with the elements of fun and surprise.
According to a press release, the Broadcast is taking place later than usual, in mid-May, rather than the traditional pre-Christmas atmosphere.
Speaking to The College View, Ruairí Flynn, one of two current DCUtv Station Managers, and former Broadcast Presenter, said that in keeping with COVID guidelines, a small group of students will be on campus, but will be tested before entering the University.
“So while previous broadcasts had a great amount of people and energy in one place to propel us towards our targets, this year we will have to dig a little deeper and work together from across the country to do so”
Each Broadcast is in aid of a chosen charity. Previous charities have included Sonas, Aoibheann’s Pink Tie and SOSAD. The previous Broadcast raised €12,000, easily passing the original goal of €8,000, in aid of Sonas, a provider of frontline services to domestic abuse victims.
This year’s Broadcast is no different, with The RISE Foundation receiving all proceeds donated by viewers.
The RISE Foundation was founded by Senator Frances Black in 2009. They focus on supporting family members of those with addictive behaviours, such as alcoholism, gambling and drugs.
It is understood that two committee members suggested the charity to be supported by this Broadcast.
One of those members, Kate Burke, one of two current DCUfm Station Managers said “many people often forget the impact that addiction has on not only one suffering from it, but also their loved ones. RISE focusing on helping those affected by a loved one’s addictive behaviour is honourable and extremely important during times like these.”
Reacting to the news of her charity being chosen, Ms. Black said “We can’t thank people enough and I can’t thank all of you and your team enough for doing this. It is our lifeline, that is the reality”.
Previous years have seen light-hearted entertainment both live and pre-recorded. Speaking to The College View, Jack Collier, one of this year’s Broadcast Presenters, said this year is also no different, with “all sorts of student-made content” throughout the Broadcast.
“You can expect impromptu bits from presenters, and from backstage there’s a little few surprises that’ll show up that people won’t see coming.”
Mr. Collier said he finds the experience very special to be “sealed in MPS history”, and to be able to look back in the future and be proud that he was part of it.
“It makes me feel like I am part of something, and it’s good to think we’re making a difference to somebody’s life. It’s nice that it’s all for charity.”
In order to promote the Broadcast, MPS has enlisted a plethora of public figures to send messages of support and to spread the word to watch and donate across their social media platforms.
These include TV presenter and designer Brendan Courtney, The Coronas frontman Danny O’Reilly, musicians Mary Black and Sharon Shannon, and radio presenters Fionnuala Moran and Leanne Hanafin.
Outgoing MPS Chairperson Maeve Fortune said it has been a struggle to organise a mainly virtual Broadcast, considering it has never been done before.
“In the past, we’ve followed a blueprint of sorts. We know how it’s done, and we do it well. But getting to see the committee and beyond the committee overcome all of these hurdles and put together something that is going to be absolutely amazing has been so rewarding.”
As part of the “Broadcast Season”, funds have already been raised for The RISE Foundation to the tune of over €5200, as of the time of publication, as a result of the sister-project – the DCUfm 12-Hour Broadcast”. The finale culminated in a surprise donation of €1000, the equivalent of their goal, from an anonymous donor.
Speaking about the reaction to that donation, Ms. Fortune said it was the “cherry on top”.
“Sarah and Kate as FM Managers, and the whole FM team, really deserved that acknowledgement and success, because FM has really thrived all year round.”
Ms. Fortune also pointed to the engagement and enthusiasm of first year members, who “brought in the majority of views and donations”.
Ruairí Flynn said there was “collective disbelief and shock” when the news of the large donation rippled through, and said it was “extremely encouraging”.
“We are so honoured to be representing them [RISE Foundation] and we cannot wait to give our all and more to the broadcast on 17th and 18th to support their phenomenal work.”
The marathon broadcast takes place from 9pm on 17th May to 9pm on 18th May.
More details of how to watch and donate can be found on the Media Production Society’s social media channels.
Matthew Joyce
Image Credit: DCU Media Production Society