BAI Announces Over €5m Funding Support through Sound & Vision II Scheme

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) has today, 16th September, announced details of the latest package of funding recommendations to have been ratified by the Authority at its most recent meeting.

A funding total of €5.223m has been allocated to 21 TV projects and 101 radio projects.  Of this total, €4.68m of the allocation is for TV projects, while €543k goes to support radio projects.  When completed, the funded projects will be broadcast by a range of community, commercial and public service broadcasters across the country.

Highlights of this 21st round of the Scheme include:

  • 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.

Please note that all applications to Sound & Vision II – The Broadcasting Funding Scheme are completed online at www.baionline.ie

 

Media Queries to:

Tony Heffernan/ Emily Kelly

DHR Communications

 

087 2399508/ 087 9759248 / 01 4200580