Waterford Local Radio Stations benefit under Sound and Vision Scheme
Local radio stations in Waterford have been given reason to celebrate as the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media, Catherine Martin TD, unveiled a €2.4 million financial boost for 32 radio stations nationwide through the Broadcasting Fund Sound and Vision Scheme. The award distribution, which varies from €35,000 to a maximum of €95,000, is set to enhance the broadcasting landscape.
Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh warmly welcomed the news from his Green Party colleague, Minister Catherine Martin, as a vote of confidence in the strength of local media in Waterford:
‘We are very fortunate to have such vibrant local media scene here in Waterford, both in print and in broadcast, and I think this is reflected in the very substantial funding we’ve seen awarded here. In this round of funding, both Beat and WLR have secured notable awards. WLR received the maximum grant of €95,000 for their project named ‘Futurescape: Shaping Tomorrow’s Waterford,’ a significant achievement that will help them really proactively engage in shaping the narrative around our city’s future. Additionally, Beat FM was awarded €85,000 for their exciting project entitled ‘It’s a Beat Life.’
This round of the Sound and Vision Scheme is designed to empower content creators and hone their skills to independently craft compelling programming. Each of the 32 radio stations selected will initiate projects focused on skills development, media literacy promotion, and digital transformation. Moreover, the initiatives aim to foster gender equality, diversity, and inclusion, ultimately building stronger and more connected communities.
In making her announcement, Minister Martin emphasized the indispensable role of commercial radio in Irish society, not only in shaping public opinion and countering disinformation but also in championing gender equality, inclusion, and diversity. She expressed her deep appreciation for the importance of training and skill enhancement, particularly in the digital age.
Minister Martin noted, “As a former teacher, I appreciate the need for training and skills enhancement, and I am pleased to note the focus on providing content creators with the skills needed in the digital age.”
The generous funding allocation underscores the government’s commitment to the independent commercial radio sector. This marks the third instance in which Coimisiún na Meán (Broadcasting Authority of Ireland) has disbursed funds tailored to support the independent radio sector. In 2020, a €2.5 million award was dedicated to promoting COVID-19 awareness in commercial radio. In 2021, an additional €2.5 million was provided, with a focus on local and regional radio sectors hit hard by a significant drop in advertising revenue during the pandemic.
Minister Martin also welcomed the recent opening of Round 51, focusing on content that supports Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, with a special emphasis on integration and the voice of new Irish communities. She reaffirmed her dedication to the Sound and Vision scheme, which benefits from additional funding she provided.
