The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has offered €543k to support radio projects in the latest funding round.
In contract, €4.68m of the total allocated €5.223m available has gone to television projects. When completed, the funded programmes will be broadcast by a range of community, commercial and public service broadcasters across the country.
Of the €5.223m, 21 TV projects will be funded along with 101 radio projects.
283 applications, covering 16 different genre/format categories were assessed by the BAI in this round, with a total funding request of €16.147m. The current round saw an increase in the number of radio applications received. Documentary was the most supported format in radio, while drama was the most supported in television in this round. There is also support for children’s projects, programmes relating to Arts/Culture and to Science/Nature/Environment.
Programmes in receipt of funding will be broadcast across 43 different channels; 10 television and 33 radio.
Speaking about the announcement, Michael O’Keeffe, Chief Executive of the BAI said “The indicative allocation for funding in Round 21 was €4.75m and the Authority is pleased to award in excess of that allocation in the current round. The capacity to award funding to this level was again facilitated through the on-going, careful management of revenue associated with the fund.
Round 21 marks the last open round under the current Scheme, as the final round in 2014 will focus on animation and education projects only.”
“The BAI intends that 2015 will see the introduction of a new Sound & Vision 3 Scheme. The new Scheme, which was the subject of consultation late last year, is currently being considered for approval by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the European Commission. Once approved, the BAI will engage with stakeholders regarding the new Scheme and its implementation.”
The BAI will now commence contract negotiations with all successful applicants. A full list of the projects being offered funding is available here.