€25.5m BAI Funding Package Unveiled | The Irish Film & Television Network

Sound & Vision II is funded by 7% of the net receipts of the TV license fee and is a revised version of the existing Sound & Vision scheme. The changes introduced in the revised scheme reflect the provisions of the Broadcasting Act 2009 and the outcomes of an operational review undertaken in 2008. The revised scheme was recently approved by the European Commission and the Minister for Communications Energy and Natural Resources and has been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.

As part of the roll-out process for this scheme, the BAI has announced closing dates for the next three radio and television funding rounds. The BAI has also set out the maximum amount of funding that will be available for each round. In the case of television the amount is €7m per round and in the case of radio it is €1.5m per round. The closing dates are being published to provide clarity for broadcasters and independent producers in relation to the potential funds available over the next two years. The updated application documentation will be published on the BAI website shortly.

Commenting on the announcement, Michael O’Keeffe Chief Executive of the BAI said: “The recent European Commission approval of the revised Sound & Vision Scheme is very welcome news and will allow the BAI to continue to support the production of new, high quality television and radio programmes. While the revised scheme will continue to support programme making in the genres of Irish culture, heritage and experience and such programmes in the Irish language, it also includes the new programme themes of global affairs and media literacy. I am confident that the scheme will add to the diversity of programming available to viewers and listeners.”

The proposed closing date for Round 9 of TV programmes is April 2nd and the decision is expected in June 2010. The proposed closing date for Round 10 of TV programmes is November 5th and the decision is expected in January of 2011. Finally the proposed closing date for Round 11 of TV programmes is July 1st 2011 and the decision for that round is expected in September 2011.

For more information visit www.bai.ie

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