Funferal

BCI funding runs into difficulties

The Broadcasting (Funding) Scheme to be overseen by the BCI (Broadcasting Commission of Ireland), which is to distribute 5% of television license fee income, has been delayed as the European Commission has asked for further information:

Following examination of the Broadcasting (Funding) Scheme, the European Commission has informed the Department that further information and clarification is required before a determination on the proposed scheme can be made. European Commission approval is required for the Scheme under State-aid regulations.

This means that the BCI will miss its own goal of having the scheme operational by mid-July.

The aim of the fund is to support and develop new television and radio programmes on Irish culture, heritage and experience. My understanding is that at least some of the groups currently in discussions with the BCI about receiving licenses for local cable-access television channels hope to make use of the scheme as a means to fund at least part of their operations, so this latest development could cause that process to be further delayed.