Latest BAI scheme gives €622k to Irish radio

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has announced details of the latest funding awards under the Sound & Vision 3 Broadcasting Funding Scheme.

Funding amounting to €5.991m has been allocated to 126 radio and television projects in Round 30. Of this, 93 radio projects have been allocated €622k whilst 5.368m has been allocated to 33 TV projects in this round.

231 applications were received in this round, seeking total funding of almost €17m. While the number of applications and the amount of funding sought is slightly lower than the previous two rounds, interest in the Scheme remains very high. Documentary continues to be the most popular category in terms of applications for both radio and television while there was a good spread of broadcasters associated with the applications across commercial, community and public service radio and TV.

Some notable projects supported in the current round include:

• A one-hour radio documentary for Athlone Community Radio, titled “One Day at a Time” which follows a day in the lives of two mums who have children with Down Syndrome
• “Janey Dillis”, a drama from Ocean FM, which focuses on the world of Janey Dillis who is forced to question her way of life.
• A documentary, “Science Gallery: 10 years of art-meets-science”, which profiles the space which has changed our relationship with science and art, for broadcast on Newstalk.

Commenting on the announcement, Chief Executive of the BAI, Michael O’Keeffe said: “The implementation of the funding rounds under Sound & Vision 3 assists the BAI in achieving its mission to foster diverse and culturally relevant content for Irish audiences. It is also a key support in delivering on the BAI strategic themes of Promoting Plurality & Diversity, Enhancing Innovation and Sectoral Sustainability and, Empowering Audiences.

We are very pleased to provide funding support for the 126 radio and television projects announced today. The package of recommendations continues to reflect the wide variety of programming funded under the Scheme for the enjoyment of Irish audiences, encompassing programming as diverse as Irish language television dramas, children’s animation, and adult/media literacy programmes for radio audiences.”

The BAI will now commence contract negotiations with all successful applicants. A full list of the projects being offered funding is available to download here.