Lots happens in the radio industry each week so here’s a summary of the week we just enjoyed.
Here’s what happened
A total of €10.5 million in additional funding for the sound and vision scheme has been announced this week. The funding is split into a few categories, and should fund some quality content over the next few months.
For those of you who don’t know about Sound and Vision, it’s an awesome scheme from the BAI allowing independent producers to seek funding to assist them in making content for radio and television. It’s usually funded by 7% of the Licence Fee, but the funding announced this week is in addition to that.
So, here’s the kind of stuff that can get funding over the next while.
- €5 million is for programming in relation to climate change. I’m really interested to see how radio stations use this potential funding as I’m sure there are some quite creative climate change projects that could work on radio.
- €2 million is for live music broadcasting productions. Last year we saw initiatives such as Irish music month get BAI funding. Hopefully we might see some collaboration again this time.
- €2 million has been allocated for Irish language programming. It’s exactly what it says on the tin. An Mhaith
- Finally there’s €1.5 million for general sound and vision stuff. Always handy to have. (Apparently some of this general funding was used already in round 42, but it’s only been acknowledged this week)
I’m personally delighted with this news. Any additional funding going towards quality broadcasting is a good thing in my book, hopefully this funding can be put to good use delivering great content for viewers and listeners.
The plan is for the BAI to announce details of the sound and vision climate change round in late may, with the Irish language and live music rounds opening during the summer. Keep reading Radio Land as we’ll include the details when they’re announced.
A new report from learning waves has found that independent stations played an important role in debunking misinformation during the pandemic.
According to the report, almost 100% of stations surveyed said they made it their responsibility to combat the spread of misinformation and educate the public by sourcing credible and qualified contributors and challenging contrary views. It’s interesting to see them use the word almost here as that would indicate to me that one station didn’t indicate this, I’d love to know what station, but ultimately that’s just me being nosy.
The report also highlights other important stuff, such as the financial hit to radio stations during the pandemic, as well as the impact that it has had on those working in the sector.
Do you think the radio industry did enough to debunk misinformation throughout the pandemic? Or could we have done better? You can let us know in our Twitter Poll.
Read the story from Radio Today
Just so you know, our final story this week is subject to some reporting restrictions. While we often desire to know every detail of a story, sometimes it’s fairest for some information, in this case the names of the accused, to remain private.
With that said, here’s what we know.
Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh, who is most well known for her work on a number of RTÉ TV shows, has alleged she was sexually harassed and victimised while working for the broadcaster.
She has lodged a discrimination complaint under the Employment Equality Act, and the matter is now before the workplace relations commission.
Mairéad McKenna BL, who was representing RTÉ at a preliminary hearing said, “We absolutely deny all allegations against RTÉ,”
For more detail’s on the proceedings, I’d recommend you check out the linked article from the Irish Times. That provides a bit more information about the situation.
Quick Bits
Alan Tyler is RTEs new Group Head of Entertainment and music
Radiocentre ireland had its first big event this week
96FM are looking for responses on their music pannel
Muireann O’Connell has said Losing her Today FM gig was the best thing that ever happened
Kathryn Thomas has a head cold, and she’s filling in for Ray Darcy next week
New stations
We don’t normally cover community radio, but it’s worth knowing that the BAI are looking for applicants for two new community radio licences.
The BAI are looking to grant a License for a community radio station in Athlone
And that’s the summary for this week. Come back to radio land next week for more radio news📻 and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram for extra stories.