The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) has today (5th April) launched its Community Broadcasting Support Scheme 2012.
This Scheme is open to licensed community and community of interest radio and television stations. The aim of the Scheme is to award funding grants which enable community broadcasters to evaluate and review the operation and effectiveness of their services. Evaluations funded by the Scheme can either address internal issues e.g. supporting stations with organisational development issues or focus on external issues such as aiding community broadcasters to take a closer look at the communities that they are licensed to serve.
Commenting on the launch of this year’s scheme, Michael O’Keeffe, BAI Chief Executive said: “The BAI is very pleased to continue its support of the community broadcasting sector through its Community Broadcasting Support Scheme. This Scheme is invaluable in providing a mechanism for community broadcasters to undertake quality evaluations looking at their own ways of working or to examine their existing relationships with their target audiences. We believe that the provision of funding again this year will continue to enhance the development of the community broadcasting sector even further”.
The Scheme is operated by the BAI through its Sectoral Learning and Development function. This year, a budget of €36,000 is available for both the operation and funding of the Scheme. The closing date for completed applications to be submitted to the BAI is 18th May 2012.
An information booklet and copy of the application form can be accessed in English here or as Gaeilge anseo