Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 October 2023
48. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide increased support to community radio in respect of high inflation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45766/23]
View answerSupport to the community media sector is primarily made available through the Sound and Vision Scheme, administered by Coimisiún na Meán, which provides funding for content as well as training and outreach activities. Social Benefit funding targeted at the community media sector is a significant new innovation within the Sound and Vision Scheme which I welcome.
Over the past three years these targeted rounds have provided almost €1.9 million in funding to the community broadcasting sector, together with a further €1.19 million in awards from general Sound and Vision funding rounds.
Next year, Round 52 will open in January, when up to €750k in funding will be available for community broadcasters. This will be the largest ever amount of funding ring-fenced for a dedicated Community Radio funding round, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to support the sector.
The Future of Media Commission recommended that a new Community Media Scheme be established as part of the wider Media Fund. I remain committed to implementing the Future of Media Commission recommendations, including the new Media Fund schemes. The Media Fund has been established on an administrative basis, with Local Democracy and Court Reporting Schemes currently being designed by Coimisiún na Meán for delivery in 2024. , including community radio. An Coimisiún will in due course also undertake the necessary research and consultation in order to design a new community media scheme.
