Board Member
2015–present
RTE Board member
In February 2015, Margaret joined the RTÉ Board (Ireland’s public service media organisation) as one of four Oireachtas appointees. Since then, chair Moya Doherty (Riverdance) has asked her to lead the Audience Council and to serve on the Programming sub-committee. She is also involved in several special long-term strategic projects. Margaret’s advice is often called upon for marketing, branding, media, journalism, innovation, diversity and community outreach matters.
2013–present
European Movement Ireland Board member
Margaret was asked to join the board of European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland) in 2013. She serves under chair Maurice Pratt and vice-chair Senator Jillian van Turnhout. Margaret lends her expertise in media and marketing to the Board as well as providing training for staff and student journalists who sign up for EM Ireland’s European media projects. During her tenure, the organisation has improved its media, marketing and social media presence and has created a staff handbook on style and tone of voice.
2010–2013
Women on Air chair
In 2010, Margaret founded the not-for-profit organisation Women on Air (WOA) to ensure a greater number of female experts on the airwaves. For three years, she steered the strategic direction of the organisation with a voluntary committee of 10. Her six-point plan for the organisation (highlight the problem, research the issue, create networks and events, provide practical tools for media, influence decision-makers, and create mentorships and media partnerships) led to an increased awareness and debate at the highest levels of media and government as well as to significant funding from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and Connecting Women in Technology.
WOA is now considered an integral and influential network within the broadcasting sector. Many media organisations currently track the gender balance of their current affairs contributors. RTÉ, the national broadcaster, has undertaken a diversity audit across the organisation.
