Corporate and Social Responsibility
![thumbnail: Sister Stanislaus ''Stan'' Kennedy of Focus Ireland receiving a cheque for 30,000 euro which is the proceeds of the Mediahuis Rock Against Homelessness concert held in the 3Olympia last May from Barry Egan and Peter Vandermeersch CEO of Mediahuis Ireland. Photo: David Conachy.](https://focus.independent.ie/thumbor/FcXPI23CpouwGyBWlfx5WuX7DVo=/5x0:809x536/160x107/prod-mh-ireland/2cadef3b-e5ea-45c6-9374-aa4cefbd00ca/0e083f94-164b-46b9-ae75-0da02efa1104/2cadef3b-e5ea-45c6-9374-aa4cefbd00ca.jpg)
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Mediahuis believes in a strong and relevant media that makes a positive contribution to society, promotes equal opportunities for all, and respect for nature. We are committed to making a sustained effort in terms of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), focusing on three pillars.
Trustworthy Journalism
Mediahuis invests in quality journalism that aims to have a positive impact on people and society. In an era where fake news continues to be a problem, our titles promote truth, fairness, transparency and accountability, and aim to reflect all areas of society through diverse voices and opinions.
Unlocking talent
The development and wellbeing of its employees is key to ensuring that everyone at Mediahuis makes the most of their talent. Increasing diversity is just as important, as part of Mediahuis’s effort to become a more inclusive employer.
Going green
Mediahuis wants to be a climate-neutral – and by 2035 even a climate-positive – organisation. To this end, the net CO2 emissions of the printing and distribution of newspapers, of the offices and of transport must be reduced to zero. Where paper is concerned, we believe in responsible forest management, short transport distances, and the maximum reuse (recycling) of paper.
Charity partners
Imelda May pictured with John Sheehan, Colm Mac Con Iomaire and Paul Noonan at the the Rock Against Homelessness Concert at the Olympia Theatre
Our news brands independently support various charities including Focus Ireland, The Society of St Vincent de Paul and the Irish Cancer Society.
Focus Ireland - Rock Against Homelessness is an annual event, first held in 2016, in response to the ongoing housing crisis. It is created and organised by the Sunday Independent’s Barry Egan and Independent.ie, with proceeds going to Focus Ireland.
Bob Geldof pictured on stage during the Rock Against Homelessness in the Olympia Theatre
It has featured such acts as The Boomtown Rats, Dermot Kennedy, Imelda May, Camile O’Sullivan, and The Stunning. In 2020, the gig was headlined by Fontaines DC and raised almost €70,000.
The support our frontline staff provide for people who have nobody else to turn to at this time of crisis is only possible because of events like Rock Against Homelessness. I want to pay tribute to Fontaines D.C. and all the bands for their amazing support of this event.
Pat Dennigan, CEO, Focus Ireland
St Vincent DePaul - The Irish Independent, along with our regional titles, proudly supports the annual St Vincent De Paul Christmas Appeal.
Rose McGowan, SVP National President
In 2020, a record 160,000 calls for help were made to the society as many low-income families struggled to keep their heads above water during the pandemic.
When Christmas comes around, we all have to make lots of choices – but for those who struggle to make ends meet there are additional, sometimes impossible, choices. Do I borrow or go without? How can I make Christmas a happy time for my children and pay the bills? Do I buy essentials or heat the house?
Rose McGowan, National President, SVP