Press Releases 2007
6th November 2007
BCI AWARDS €48,000 TO THREE BROADCASTING RESEARCH PROJECTS
Research to focus on Cultural Diversity and Media Literacy
The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) has today announced the award of €48,000 in funding to 3 individual projects in the area of media and broadcasting research.
The funding is from the BCI’s new Media Research Funding Scheme which provides funding of up to €16,000 per annum to an applicant for suitable short, medium or long- term research initiatives. The aim of the scheme is to fund projects which will provide up-to-date information on emerging trends in Ireland and abroad, assist the Commission in anticipating change in the sector and facilitate monitoring and review of BCI practices and policies.
Funding was awarded to the following projects:
University |
Lead Researcher |
Research |
Duration |
NUI Maynooth |
Dr. Gavan Titley |
“Irish broadcasting and the ‘New Ireland’; mapping and visioning cultural diversity” |
18+ months |
University of Amsterdam |
Mr. Tarlach McGonagle |
“Promoting Cultural Diversity in the Irish Broadcasting sector: |
9 months |
DIT |
Dr Brian O’Neill |
“Media Literacy and the Public Sphere: a Contextual Study for Public Media Literacy Promotion in Ireland” |
9 months |
Two of the successful research projects will address the issue of Ireland’s changing demographics. One project will explore current issues in, and the possible future development of, policies on cultural diversity in the broadcasting and media sectors. The other research project on cultural diversity will examine legislation and international standards on the topic of cultural diversity in broadcasting and media.
The third successful research project will explore media literacy among 25-34 year olds, examining current trends in media literacy thinking and reviewing attitudes towards media literacy, through focus group research.
Commenting on the announcement, Chief Executive of the BCI, Michael O’Keeffe, said: “There were some very highly detailed research proposals among the entries. Research is a vital tool in enabling the Commission to carry out its remit and we are committed to the principle of multi-annual funding for research projects. Following a review of the progress of research projects during this first year, we would look towards further development of the structure of the Scheme during the second year and would encourage industry applicants to put forward proposals in the year ahead,” Mr O’Keeffe added.
As part of the selection process, an external expert panel was convened to assess the applications, focusing on the quality and structure of the applications, the compatibility of proposed research to the stated aims and objectives of the BCI, as well as the level of knowledge to be gained from each of the proposed projects.
Grants are available to Irish and EU nationals engaged in academic research in a variety of settings including: continuing professional development schemes, researchers from within the broadcasting sector, academic staff and people pursuing academic qualifications. Details of the Media Research Funding Scheme are available on the Commission’s website www.bci.ie/research_reports/policy.html.
ENDS
For further media information please contact:
Catherine Logan or Aoife Clabby
Q4 Public Relations BCI
01 475 1444/086 811 4785 01 6441200