The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has today (28.04.17) announced details of funding being offered to seven Community and Community of Interest broadcasters under its Community Broadcasting Support Scheme.
The Scheme is designed to enable broadcasters to complete reviews that will advance the organisational development of their station. Total funding of €21,610 is being offered to the seven successful stations: Community Radio Youghal (CRY); Cork Community Television (CCTV); Dublin South FM; Phoenix FM; ROS FM; Tipp Mid-West; and, West Limerick FM. Applications were examined by a panel of assessors, including independent personnel, who made recommendations on the funding to be allocated.
The types of initiatives being funded include a project to increase community engagement; a consultation process and subsequent development of a volunteer charter; two full organisational reviews including the development of business plans; and, three audience research projects to inform programming and strategic planning.
Speaking about the announcement, Michael O’Keeffe, Chief Executive of the BAI, said: “The great work of Community and Community of Interest services around the country contributes significantly to Ireland’s varied and diverse broadcasting landscape and the BAI is committed to supporting the ongoing development of these stations.
“We were pleased to see the high standard of applications we received, and the broadcasters’ recognition of the value of undertaking research, reviews and evaluations to ensure the needs of staff, volunteers and communities are met now and into the future.”
ENDS
Contact: Sebastian Enke / Tony Heffernan, DHR Communications, Tel: 01-4200580 / 087-3239496 / 087-2399508
Note to Editors
List of Community Broadcasting Support Scheme funding recipients and project summaries:
Community Radio Youghal (CRY)
The project will evaluate the services provided to the community by the station and ascertain community views on the programmes aired by CRY. The project aims to increase engagement between the station and the community and help inform future programming policy.
Cork Community Television (CCTV)
An external consultant will undertake a review of the station, including previous business plans, finances, members and volunteers. The consultant will draw up a business plan which will assist the station in planning future development. The project should help the station meet the needs of staff, volunteers and audiences.
Dublin South FM
The project consists of community surveys and focus groups which will be carried out with the aim of evaluating how the station is serving its target audience. The research will be used to inform the programming and operational approaches of the station and assist in the development of a three-year plan.
Phoenix FM
Research into the listening habits of the Dublin 15 community will be undertaken. The findings will be collated into a report which will assist the station to develop the programme schedule which serves the needs of the community and is in line with station’s ethos and mission.
ROS FM
The project will assess how well the station is meeting the needs of the community. The project will identify and address community needs which are not being met and highlight areas where improvements may be made.
Tipp Mid-West
The project aims to improve support for volunteers and provide greater clarification on their role in the station. A consultation process will be undertaken with volunteers and management and a volunteer charter will be drawn up.
West Limerick FM
The station will undergo a full review, including broadcasting and franchise area, operations, staffing, volunteers, areas of income and expenditure. The outcome of this project will be the development of a business plan which should lead to improved governance and compliance.