Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 January 2023
25. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the efforts she has made in respect of funding for independent, regional and community radio stations; if she will outline any future plans for funding for these important areas within media circles; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3616/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very much aware of the importance of regional, local and community radio, and the crucial role it plays as part of the wider media landscape. Since taking office, I have ensured that significantly increased supports have been made available to the broadcasting sector as a whole, and to the radio sector in particular.
Funding for radio is currently made available through the Sound and Vision Scheme for the production of programming on Irish culture, heritage and experience. The Scheme, which is administered by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, is funded by 7% the television licence fee and can be augmented by Exchequer funding.
Since taking office, I have secured an additional €22.4m in Exchequer funding to the scheme, of which €7.5m has been ring-fenced for independent commercial radio, including an allocation of €2.5m to the BAI which I announced in December and which will be distributed this year.
A further €1.2m has been ring-fenced for community radio since I took office.
With regard to examining any potential future supports, it is important that we have robust and independent data to support any decisions that might be made. As such, and as I set out in the Dáil on 30 November 2022, I have asked the BAI to engage with the sector with a view to understanding the dynamics of the current economic environment and its impacts on the sector and to report back to me in March.
While the Broadcasting Act does not allow for the funding of news and current affairs programming, in Budget 2023 I secured an allocation of €6m for the establishment of a new Media Fund as recommended by the Future of Media Commission. This will initially fund two schemes on an administrative basis, for Local Democracy Reporting and Court Reporting. While the schemes will be open to all media, I expect that local media will be well-placed to benefit significantly. It is intended that these schemes, which are to be administered by Coimisiún na Meán, will be rolled out later this year.
