The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has today (18.03.21) opened a public consultation into its draft Community Media Policy. The draft policy seeks to reflect community media in contemporary Ireland and focuses on its key characteristics and distinctive nature in terms of purpose, structure, and output.
Informed by the ‘Community Media Policy and Regulation for the Future’ report, which was commissioned by the BAI last year, the draft policy places particular emphasis on community media content and the importance of strong governance processes for the sector. The document is divided into six sections: 1) Defining community media; 2) Social benefit; 3) Programme Content; 4) Ownership, governance, and management; 5) Funding and finance, and 6) staffing and training.
Commenting, BAI chief executive, Michael O’Keeffe said: “There are 23 licensed community or community of interest media outlets in Ireland – both radio and TV. There are also a number of aspiring community radio groups that have been operating on a pilot temporary basis. The value of programme content produced by community media practitioners is well recognised, and community media can make a significant contribution to ensuring diversity in the overall media landscape. To be sustainable and realise its potential, community media needs to be underpinned by robust operational and governance structures and practices, and the sector needs ongoing commitment and support from all stakeholders, particularly State agencies and the communities served.
He added: “The BAI is committed to working with the sector to ensure its potential is realised. Our Community Media Policy will inform all aspects of our work in relation to community media, including licensing and the operation of the Broadcast Fund. We would therefore very much like to hear from interested parties during this consultation process and now invite them to review the draft policy document and submit their views.”
The closing date for submissions is noon on Thursday, 15th April 2021. Responses should be submitted by email to lboyle@bai.ie or by post to the BAI, 2-5 Warrington Place, Dublin 2, D02XP29.
In addition, the BAI is hosting a stakeholder workshop to discuss the proposed policy on Wednesday, 31st March. Further details on the consultation and registration for the workshop can be found here.
The BAI will consider all submissions received and the outcomes of the workshop, with a view to publishing a final policy later this year.
ENDS
Media contact: Thelma Harris / Joanne Ahern, DHR Communications, Tel: 083-0517622 / 087-9881837.
All other queries: BAI, 01-6441200.
Notes to editors:
- The ‘Community Media Policy and Regulation for the Future’ report can be found on the BAI website.