BAI Allocates €7.8M Towards TV Production

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has announced funding decisions for Round 11 (TV) of the Broadcasting Funding Scheme.
Grants totalling €7,861,000 have been offered to support the production of 43 television projects which will be broadcast on Public Service, Commercial and Community Television stations. All the projects deal with the themes of Irish Culture, Heritage and Experience.
The package of recommended projects includes a range of documentary, drama, animation and entertainment programmes, 12 of which will be in the Irish Language. 16 of the projects are intended for broadcast on Commercial and Community television stations.
A total of 98 applications were received in this round. The funding package was ratified by the Authority at its meeting on 5th September following the consideration of recommendations made by assessment panels. The assessment panels are comprised of experts from the audiovisual sector and BAI Staff. The BAI will now commence contract negotiations with each of the successful applicants.
Speaking about the announcement, Michael O'Keeffe, Chief Executive of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland said: "The Broadcasting Funding Scheme continues to be a major source of funding for both the broadcasting and independent television production sectors in Ireland.
"While documentary remains the most popular genre in terms of applications received, and the most successful in terms of funding offered, we are particularly pleased with the increase in the amount of projects funded in the Drama and Animation genres on this occasion.
"Once again the Scheme has awarded vital funding that will enable broadcasters and producers to make high quality programmes that will inform and entertain Irish viewers”.
(BMcN/BMcC)