Press Releases 2005
Broadcasting Funding Scheme-European Commission Feedback
1st July
The Broadcasting Commission Ireland (BCI) has today (Friday July 1st) been advised by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources that they have received feedback from the European Commission regarding its examination of the Broadcasting (Funding) Scheme. The Scheme, which is financed through 5% of the licence fee fund was instigated to support and develop new television and radio programmes on Irish culture, heritage and experience.
Following examination of the Broadcasting (Funding) Scheme, the European Commission has informed the Department that further information and clarification is required before a determination on the proposed scheme can be made. European Commission approval is required for the Scheme under State-aid regulations.
Commenting on this development, Michael O´Keeffe, CEO of the BCI said, "While the BCI had hoped to launch the Broadcasting (Funding) Scheme in late July this will not now be possible following the receipt of this feedback from the European Commission. However we will be working very closely with the Department, to ensure that all the relevant information and clarification that the European Commission requires is provided to them within the next few days."
It is expected that a detailed response to the queries raised will be forwarded to the European Commission shortly, by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
Media Queries to:
Catherine Logan or Aoife Clabby
Fleishman-Hillard BCI
01-618 8462 01-6441200
Broadcasting Funding Scheme-European Commission Feedback
1st July
The Broadcasting Commission Ireland (BCI) has today (Friday July 1st) been advised by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources that they have received feedback from the European Commission regarding its examination of the Broadcasting (Funding) Scheme. The Scheme, which is financed through 5% of the licence fee fund was instigated to support and develop new television and radio programmes on Irish culture, heritage and experience.
Following examination of the Broadcasting (Funding) Scheme, the European Commission has informed the Department that further information and clarification is required before a determination on the proposed scheme can be made. European Commission approval is required for the Scheme under State-aid regulations.
Commenting on this development, Michael O´Keeffe, CEO of the BCI said, "While the BCI had hoped to launch the Broadcasting (Funding) Scheme in late July this will not now be possible following the receipt of this feedback from the European Commission. However we will be working very closely with the Department, to ensure that all the relevant information and clarification that the European Commission requires is provided to them within the next few days."
It is expected that a detailed response to the queries raised will be forwarded to the European Commission shortly, by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
Media Queries to:
Catherine Logan or Aoife Clabby
Fleishman-Hillard BCI
01-618 8462 01-6441200