Three Donegal university students are preparing for a marathon broadcast this December, where they will be staying up all night to entertain their viewers and raise money for charity.
Sarah O’Dwyer, Ian Brennan and Kate Gurren, all DCU students, will be taking part in DCU’s Media Production Society’s annual ’24-Hour Broadcast’ this Friday 1st to Saturday 2nd of December.
The award-winning event takes place every December in Dublin City University, with this being the eighth consecutive year for it to run. Students commit to staying on campus for 24 hours, producing a live-streamed broadcast from the School of Communications all in aid of charity.
Sarah O’Dwyer
For Christmas 2017, the Media Production Society has decided to hold the event in aid of SOSAD, an Irish suicide prevention and bereavement support charity.
The charity was suggested by committee member Carmel Kenny who like many others has been directly affected by suicide.
“I lost my Dad to suicide when I was two years old and I’ve grown up without him in my life. I’ve seen first hand how it affects everyone left behind. SOSAD is close to my heart because I want everyone to know that they have someone to talk too and can turn to in a time of need” she said.
Last year the broadcast was in aid of the ‘Peter McVerry Trust’, a charity set up to reduce homelessness and the harm caused by drug misuse and social disadvantage. Although the target was €5000, the society succeeded in raising over €15,300 through fundraising and donations on the night.
This year the target is €7000 and the society hopes to reach, if not exceed the amount for this year’s chosen charity.
Kate Gurren
“For 24 hours our members get the chance to produce their own shows and make the wackiest memories they’ll have in college. The best part about it is that we get to do all of this for an amazing cause and raise some much needed funds for charities like SOSAD” said Aine Lawless, head of DCUtv.
Sarah, Ian and Kate will be contributing to the broadcast in many ways. There is something for everyone to get involved in, be it filming, producing, presenting, editing, creating behind the scenes content and promoting the broadcast on social media or a little bit of everything.
Ian Brennan
The broadcast is supported by a huge variety of sponsors, including Bank of Ireland who sponsor the event each year. Bank of Ireland DCU staff look forward to supporting and creating awareness for SOSAD throughout the 24 Hour Broadcast with DCU Media Production Society.
DCUtv and Bank of Ireland 24 Hour Broadcast in aid of SOSAD runs from 9pm on Friday 1st to Saturday 2nd of December. To watch Sarah, Ian and Kate, go online to www.dcumps.com
You can get involved with the broadcast on social media using the hashtag #DCUtv24.
