The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has today (02.10.19) announced the award of funding totalling €56,318.80 to two applicants under its Media Research Funding Scheme 2019.
The scheme aims to support research initiatives that will facilitate the BAI in promoting public debate and informing regulatory policy to shape a vibrant, dynamic media landscape that meets the needs of viewers and listeners in Ireland. It also supports the BAI in developing and maintaining links with third-level institutions and the broadcasting sector.
The BAI received four applications under the scheme, requesting a total amount of funding of just under €98,500. Two projects were selected by the adjudicating panel and have been offered total funding of €56,318.80. The successful projects are:
Broadcasting difference: Diversity in public broadcasting: this research project will evaluate the diversity of people (programme staff and guests) and content (diversity themes and viewpoints) across a selection of RTÉ’s radio, television, and online output over a three-month period. The research will focus on five categories of diversity: age, gender, sexual identity, ethnic/cultural identity, and disability. The project is a collaboration between Dublin City University and RTÉ. The research will be led by Dr Eileen Culloty from DCU’s Institute for Future Media and Journalism and the project was awarded €23,020 in funding.
Auditing gender and diversity change in Irish media sectors: this research project will examine how gender and diversity policies are promoted and implemented by broadcasters, training bodies and production companies; and what tools and measures can be used to further implement broader diversity initiatives. The project is a collaboration between Maynooth University, Mary Immaculate College Limerick and University College Dublin. The research will be led by Dr Anne O’Brien from Maynooth University and the project was awarded funding of €33,298.80.
Commenting, BAI chief executive, Michael O’Keeffe said: “It is important that Ireland has a diverse and dynamic media landscape that brings a range of voices to Irish audiences. The Media Research Funding Scheme is an important tool in this regard, supporting research that informs debate on broadcasting-related matters and strengthening links between the BAI, third-level institutions and the broadcasting sector. We are very pleased to support two highly topical research projects under the 2019 Media Research Funding Scheme and look forward to considering the research reports in due course.”
For more information, visit www.bai.ie.
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