Press Releases 2006

BCI AWARDS €10M IN SECOND FUNDING ROUND OF SOUND & VISION

20th July 06

The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) has today (Thursday, July 20th ) announced the allocation of an amount in excess of €10m in funding for programming in the second round of Sound & Vision, the Broadcasting Funding Scheme. €9.59m has been allocated to thirty-nine television projects and €0.468m to forty-one radio initiatives.

In this second round of the scheme, 237 applications were received from the sector, with 116 for radio and 121 for television. This represents an increase of sixty-eight applications on the first Sound & Vision scheme. Of the applications approved for funding in television, there was an even split between English language and Irish language and bilingual programming. €4.9m has been allocated to English language programmes, while Irish language and bi-lingual programmes will receive €4.7m. The Irish and English language programmes cover a wide variety of subjects under the relevant themes of Irish culture, heritage and experience. Programme genres such as documentary, sports programmes, entertainment, drama features and series as well as animation are well represented in the awards.

Funding for programmes in radio will amount to €0.468m and will support a range of programmes under the relevant themes. Documentaries will receive 83% of funding, while three drama projects will also be funded in this round. English language programmes accounted for 68% of funding for radio with Irish language and bilingual accounting for 32%.

Speaking about the announcement Chief Executive of the BCI, Michael O’Keeffe said “The increase in applications for funding in this second round of Sound & Visionis very encouraging and underlines the significant interest in the scheme from both broadcasters and the production sector. There was also an improvement overall in the quality of applications received in terms of presentation, research and in creatively addressing the themes of Irish culture, heritage and experience. The Commission was particularly pleased with the development of animation projects with all three successful series aimed at the pre-school audience.”

The funding awards through Sound & Vision were approved at a meeting of the Commission on July 17 th last, following consideration of the recommendations made by twenty assessment panels. The assessment panels comprised of staff members of the Broadcasting Funding Division, experts in the broadcasting/film industry and subject experts from the relevant thematic areas.

The BCI will now begin the process of contract negotiations and funding allocation with all successful applicants.

An operational review of the application process for the Sound & Vision scheme will now take place, with a view to opening a third funding round before the end of 2006.

An appendix to this press release details all the television and radio programmes that have been recommended for funding.

Show me the list of programmes which have been recommended for funding.

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