Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
633. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department uses community radio for advertising and public awareness campaigns; if not, the reason, given the vital role community radio often plays in the dissemination of information to local communities; if his Department will consider using community radio for public awareness campaigns in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14168/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department conducts information campaigns to ensure that the public are aware and up to date on the many supports and services that are available to them. Professional media buyers are used to ensure value for money and the best possible reach to the public.
Community radio is defined as non-profit but licensed radio. To date my Department has not used these radio stations for advertising. However, following the enactment of the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021 we have advertised with Raidió na Life, which can be considered a community radio station, as part of our commitment to advertising with Irish language outlets during our information campaigns.
I do appreciate that the community radio sector plays a valuable role within the wider media landscape. The sector provides social benefits from encouraging volunteerism and networking to good governance, training and partnership.
Recognising that, State funding for the sector is provided by the new commission for regulating broadcasters, Coimisiún na Meán, through the Sound and Vision Scheme, which provides dedicated funding rounds for the sector. In the most recent round, up to €750,000 was available for Social Benefit projects for community radio and television.
