I would like to welcome you all here today to the formal launch of the Broadcasting Funding Scheme “Sound & Vision”. I am delighted to be here and I thank Conor Maguire and the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland for inviting me.
It was with great satisfaction that I received notification from the EU Commission at the beginning of October that the Broadcasting Funding Scheme was compatible with State Aid and EU Competition rules. This was the signal we had been waiting for and the one that enabled me to formally approve the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland’s Funding Scheme, now titled “Sound & Vision”, shortly afterwards to be here today to formally launch the scheme.
As we steadily move towards a digital only era it is appropriate that we are launching this new initiative. Digital means more channels, new services and more choice. The increase in the number of channels available is not matched, however, by as proportionate an increase in the range and quality of services available.
While the increased availability of international channels must be seen as a plus for Irish audiences in that it offers Irish audiences more choice….it is also very important that Irish audiences should continue to have available to them a range of quality programming that is of particular relevance to them and celebrates and promotes our distinct cultural identity.
There was one underlying principle that was a constant through the process of enacting the legislation and the development of the scheme. That principle is that the Broadcasting Fund is for the audience!
Of course broadcasters and independent producers will benefit from the funds available. That will have a positive impact on the development of the sector in Ireland. However, serving the audience is the core purpose of the legislation. It is the core purpose of the scheme and it will be the core purpose of the programming funded by the scheme.
The Broadcasting Fund therefore, is an important initiative in the digital era, as it will ensure that higher quality programming, of relevance to Irish audiences, is broadcast on our television and radio services.
The objective of the scheme is to improve the range and quality of programmes available to television and radio audiences in Ireland and to focus specifically on programmes relating to our culture, heritage and experience and the Irish experience in European and international contexts. Importantly the scheme also provides for new programmes to improve adult literacy and for additional Irish language programming.
One of the Scheme’s primary objectives it that the programming supported by it should be available to a wide audience.
With the exception of community broadcasting it is a condition of the scheme that the programmes must be broadcast on a free television service that provides near universal coverage.
The Broadcasting Funding Act recognises the special role of the community broadcasting sector as it provides that the scheme can assist with the cost of television programmes broadcast by community broadcasters on cable and MMDS networks. Such programming, by its nature, is aimed at a more targeted audience.
Turning to radio it is recognised that the three pillars of the radio sector – national, local and community - all have the potential to deliver to the audience the type of programming envisaged by the scheme. Therefore radio programmes funded under the scheme may be broadcast on any service licensed by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland or on an RTÉ radio service.
I believe the Broadcasting Funding Scheme will increase the availability of high quality programmes on television and radio in both the private and public broadcasting sectors.
The Broadcasting Fund now holds the sizable sum of €23m, with an annual allocation of 5% of net revenue from television licence fees being added each year. This amounts to approximately €9m per annum and will ensure a significant, and long-term, source of funding for both independent producers and broadcasters to enable them provide additional high quality programming for Irish audiences.
I would like to pay tribute to the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, for moving quickly to get the scheme up and running. I know that they have been waiting patiently, as you have, for the formal approvals I mentioned earlier. Now that the scheme is available the real work can begin.
I anticipate significant interest in the scheme from Independent Production Companies and Broadcasters, many of whom I see are represented here this evening. This is a great opportunity to record and celebrate our unique culture and heritage in Sound and Vision and I urge you to take up that challenge.
It is important that quality programming of interest and of relevance to Irish audiences continues to be included in the offering. I am confident that the scheme will be good for the development of the audiovisual industry in Ireland. I look forward to the production of new innovative and additional high quality programming for listeners and viewers.
I know that there is huge talent and ideas out there that if brought to fruition will highlight our own rich culture and heritage. Now that the scheme is available I look forward to the new programming that will be produced.
In conclusion I would like to thank the Commission for inviting me here to launch the Broadcasting Funding Scheme “Sound & Vision”. I see great opportunities, challenges and triumphs ahead and I want to wish you all every success in your endeavours. Like everybody else here this evening I look forward to hearing and watching the fruit of your works.
ENDS