The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has today (18.06.21) – on National Community Radio Day – launched its Community Media Policy. The document outlines the key characteristics and attributes that are representative of the community media sector and acknowledges the significant contribution it makes to the Irish media landscape. It also provides guidance for achieving successful and sustainable operations, as well as for robust operational and governance structures and practices for the future of community media.
Commenting, BAI Deputy Chief Executive, Celene Craig said: “Today is National Community Radio Day – a day in which community stations across the country celebrate and recognise the work and commitment of thousands of volunteers and staff who make the sector what it is today. The BAI’s new Community Media Policy plays a key role in realising the potential of the Irish community media sector – both radio and TV. It has been developed following extensive consultation, ensuring a robust, relevant policy that resonates with the objective of building a sustainable community media sector.
“We know that community media is deeply embedded in the structures and dynamics of communities as they continuously evolve, develop and renew themselves. In Ireland, we have 23 licensed community or community of interest media outlets, who, along with a number of aspiring community radio groups, strive to be of social benefit to the communities they serve; addressing key local issues and ensuring diversity.
She added: “The value of the content produced by community media practitioners is well recognised and the BAI supports the production of such programming under its Sound and Vision funding scheme. To enable community media to continue to fulfill its important role, the sector must be underpinned by robust governance and processes. The new Community Media Policy outlines the value of such processes and supports the development and advancement of the sector.”
The six areas that the Community Media Policy covers are: 1) Defining community media; 2) Social benefit; 3) Programme content; 4) Ownership, governance, and management; 5) Funding and finance, and 6) Staffing and training.
The BAI’s Community Media Policy is available here.
ENDS
Media contact: Thelma Harris / Joanne Ahern, DHR Communications, Tel: 083-0517622 / 087-9881837.
Notes to Editors:
- The BAI’s Community Media Policy updates the previous BAI policies on Community Radio Broadcasting and Community Television, reflecting the development of the community media sector over the last 20 years.
[JA1]Link to policy