Ireland

[IE] BAI announces funding for programmes in Irish language and programmes related to climate changes and climate action

IRIS 2023-3:1/16

Eric Munch

European Audiovisual Observatory

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) announced the results of Rounds 46 and 44 of its Sound & Vision 4 scheme (respectively on 30 November and 19 December).

At the request of Minister Catherine Martin, the BAI launched an Irish language-focused round of funding – Round 46. It was specifically tailored for projects supporting the development of new radio and television programmes in the Irish language, with the notable requirement of demonstrating gender equality (set at a minimum threshold of 50%) in leadership roles amongst performers and the creative production team. Five radio and ten television projects were granted funding, for a total of just under €2 million. Among those, a third are bilingual programmes (with at least 30% of the broadcast output in Irish language, as per BAI guidelines for bilingual programmes), with the rest being fully in Irish language.

Round 44, co-funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, was dedicated to programmes related to climate change and climate action. The BAI awarded just under €5 million in total to 25 applicants – ten of which for radio projects and the remainder for television projects (accounting for most of the envelope, €4.1 million). Successful applications included a majority of documentary and entertainment projects but also included education projects.

The Sound & Vision scheme, financed by the TV licence fee, has awarded more than €40 million in funding since its creation in 2020.