BCI awards funding increase to radio

Overall, €4.3m has been invested in radio projects since the scheme’s inception. The announcements were made at the launch of the Sound & Vision annual report, 2007.
209 radio applications were received in the sixth round, and 91 of these were awarded funding. This is a substantial increase of 92 applications since round 5. Documentaries accounted for 74% of the funding recommended. Other genres to receive funding included factual, sport, drama, education, and children. 42% of the programmes funded will be broadcast on community radio, 33% on commercial stations, 23% by public service broadcasters and 2% on special interest radio.

The funding awards were approved at the March meeting of the Commission, following consideration of the recommendations made by assessment panels. The Sound & Vision Scheme was launched in October 2005. During the course of the last year, decisions on five rounds (three radio and two television) were announced, and a total of 621 applications were assessed. Just under €21m was awarded in 2007 to support the production of 457 radio and television programmes, on the themes of Irish culture, heritage and experience, adult literacy and such programmes in the Irish language.

The Sound & Vision Annual Report is available on request from the Commission at 01 6441200, or on-line atwww.bci.ie/broadcast_funding_scheme/index