Under the Climate Action Plan, funding will go towards TV and radio projects that could help raise awareness of the climate crisis and support behavioural change.
The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) has shared details of the €5m Sound and Vision Scheme that will focus on climate action.
The €5m Sound & Vision scheme round is co-funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. The funding is part of the Government’s commitment under the Climate Action Plan 2021 to support the development of media content that raises awareness of climate change and promotes action and behavioural change to combat it.
Under Round 44 of the Scheme, the BAI is now seeking applications from the independent production and Irish broadcasting sectors for funding to help develop new radio and television programmes that will enhance audiences’ understanding of climate change, motivating and empowering them to take action to tackle it. With a focus on programming that results in behavioural change, it is also planned to publish a report on the overall outputs and associated outcomes of the funding awarded under Round 44.
Commenting, Chief Executive of the BAI, Celene Craig, said: “Irish TV and radio broadcasters are a trusted source of information for their viewers and listeners, particularly in critical matters, such as the global climate crisis. Their work is unique in bringing local and national perspectives to a global issue. This special round of the Sound & Vision Scheme provides broadcasters with an opportunity to play a key role in prioritising climate literacy and inspiring their audiences to make positive changes to their behaviour as a result of their programming.
“There is also the opportunity for broadcasters and programme-makers to work with climate experts to identify the key climate challenges particular to local or national areas, and the associated behavioural changes. Applicants are also encouraged to adopt climate-friendly production values in planning and delivery.”
She added: “I would like to thank Minister Catherine Martin and Minister Eamon Ryan and their respective departments for the provision of additional funding to support this specific funding round and I look forward to seeing the resulting programming.”