Press Releases 2007
BCI AWARDS €8.7M TO SOUND & VISION
TV PROGRAMMING SUBMISSIONS
The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) has today announced funding of approximately €8.7m for TV programming in the fourth round of Sound & Vision, the Broadcasting Funding Scheme.
121 television applications were received from the sector, a decrease of 10 when compared to the previous round. Following the extensive assessment process, 54 of the submissions received have been awarded funding. 37.5% of the overall allocation is to be awarded to thirty projects in the documentary genre. The remaining funding went to a variety of other genres including children’s, entertainment, education and drama projects. Irish language and bi-lingual programmes accounted for 17 projects, representing approximately one third of the total financial allocation.
Commenting on the announcement, Chief Executive of the BCI, Michael O’Keeffe, said: “We are delighted to offer funding of €8.7m in this, the television element of the fourth round of Sound & Vision. The allocation of funding in the current round now brings to in excess of €40m the amount which has been made available for programmes on Irish culture, heritage and experience, adult literacy and such programmes in the Irish language since the scheme made its first call for applications in October 2005. The administration of the scheme has seen a continuing trend of the emergence of high quality programming among all broadcasters; public service, community and commercial.”
The funding awards were approved at a meeting of the Commission on 3rd September last, following consideration of recommendations made by 13 assessment panels. The assessment panels comprised external experts from the television sector, subject experts from the relevant thematic areas and BCI staff members.
The BCI will now begin the process of contract negotiations with all successful applicants.
An appendix to this press release details all the television programmes that have been recommended for funding.
Media Queries to :
Suzanne Sullivan Aoife Clabby
Q4PR BCI
01-4751444/086-3797291 01-6441200