Press Releases 2005
‘Sound & Vision’ opens first funding round
24th October 05
The BCI has today published details of the first funding round of ‘Sound & Vision’, the Broadcasting Funding Scheme. Applications are now being sought for the production of new radio and television programmes on Irish culture, heritage and experience, and adult literacy. The scheme, which has recently received European Commission approval regarding state aid and competition rules, is open to individuals, independent producers, production companies and broadcasters and is funded by 5% of the television licence fee fund. This equates to approximately €8m euro per annum.
Speaking about the opening of the scheme, Chief Executive of the BCI, Michael O’Keeffe said, “We are delighted to now be in a position to accept applications for this first funding round. We have been working closely with the industry over the last number of months in anticipation of European approval and we now look forward to strengthening those relationships and to seeing the production of new, innovative and high-quality programming for Irish viewers and listeners”.
All genres of programmes dealing with Irish culture, heritage and experience and adult literacy are eligible to apply for funding under the current scheme, including drama, factual and children’s programmes. Funding will be provided in the form of a grant of up to 95% for production costs.
The scheme will be open to applicants until 12 noon on December 16th next. Application forms and a guide for applicants is available on the BCI web-site www.bci.ie.
Further information on the detail of the scheme can be obtained from Diarmaid Breathnach or Catherine Fitzgerald, Commissioning Officers.
‘Sound & Vision’ will be officially launched by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Noel Dempsey, T.D., on November 8th.
Show me more details on the Sound & Vision.
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Press Queries to:
Catherine Logan or Aoife Clabby
Fleishman Hillard BCI
01 6188462 or 086 8114785 01 6441200