The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (“BAI”) has today, 30th April 2013, announced funding decisions from the latest round of Sound & Vision II, the Broadcasting Funding Scheme. Grants totalling €4.392m for 114 radio and television projects have been awarded in the current round. A total of 313 applications seeking funding support of €18.44m had received by the closing date for Round 17.
The funding of €4.392 million has been offered to broadcasters and independent producers to support the production of 90 Radio and 24 TV projects. When completed, the funded projects will be broadcast by 41 different community, commercial and public service broadcasters across the country. All of the projects being offered funding will explore the themes of Irish culture, heritage and experience.
Highlights of this funding round include:
The funding of fifteen drama projects, accounting for 35% of funding support in the current round (€1.5m);
The funding of two animation projects (€520k);
Support for 12 Irish or bi-lingual projects to a total value of €1.25m;
Support for 79 documentary projects, totalling funding support of €1.89m;
46 of the projects funded will be broadcast on commercial radio and television services; 46 will be broadcast on community broadcasting services; and 22 will be broadcast by Public Service broadcasters.
Speaking about the announcement, Michael O’Keeffe, Chief Executive of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland said: “Today’s announcement provides continued evidence of the capacity of the Sound & Vision II Scheme to support high-quality programmes on Irish culture, heritage and experience and it is particularly pleasing to see such a diverse range of programmes receiving support in terms of format and genres. A feature of the funding round just completed has been the notable increase in the number of applications received, when compared with the funding rounds operated in 2012 and this is something that will be closely monitored across the year. The increased level of competition for funding has highlighted the difficult choices to be made at the strategic assessment phase in determining what the final package of recommendations should be.”
The BAI will now commence contract negotiations with all successful applicants. A full list of the projects being offered funding is available here.
The next closing date for the receipt of applications to the Scheme is 6th June.
Media Queries to:
Tony Heffernan/ Catherine Heaney
DHR Communications
01 4200580
