New projects including the archiving of news and current affairs content on Today FM have been awarded money from BAI’s Archiving Scheme.
A total of seven out of 30 applications got the cash – designed to provide funding support for the development of an archiving culture in the Irish broadcasting sector, contributing to the preservation of Ireland’s broadcasting heritage.
BAI says there was a particular focus in the first round on historic programme material, which is under threat, either through its fragile physical condition or its existence on a soon-to-be obsolete format. The Scheme is financed through a percentage of the Broadcasting Fund, derived from the TV licence fee.
The 30 applications were received by the closing date of 11th April of this year, seeking funding of €8.4m. 26 valid applications were considered by an assessment panel made up of four independent experts and one representative of the BAI.
The other initiatives to be funded include the archiving of news and current affairs content on TV3 (1998 to date); the archiving of RTÉ Television News (1985 – 1999); the archiving of a collection of audio acetate discs by RTÉ (1937 – 1971) and other projects from UTV, the Radharc Trust and community broadcaster, Northern Visions Limited.
Speaking about the announcement, Michael O’Keeffe, Chief Executive of the BAI said: “The volume of applications received under the first round clearly shows that Irish broadcasters are acutely aware of the need for measures to safeguard Ireland’s broadcasting heritage.
“The establishment of the Archiving Scheme has been an important development for both the broadcasting industry and Irish audiences. The Scheme was developed through engagement with a wide range of broadcasters and expert groups and I am confident that it will contribute to the preservation of Ireland’s broadcasting heritage and provide the public with additional access to the very rich history and culture of broadcasting in Ireland.”
It is anticipated that a further funding round of the Archiving Scheme will be opened before the end of 2013.