Additional Funding Sparks Innovation in Independent Radio.

You may have noticed some exciting new projects emerging within Ireland’s independent radio sector. In November 2023, Coimisiún na Meán approved €2.4 million for this sector under the Sound & Vision 4 Broadcasting Funding Scheme. Individual radio stations received allocations ranging from €35,000 to €95,000, thanks to funding made available by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media, Catherine Martin TD, and administered by Coimisiún na Meán.

This special funding round enabled commercial radio stations to produce programmes on topics of significant interest to their listeners, in consultation with the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland. These topics include Media Literacy, Digital Transformation, Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and Developing Communities and Communities of Interest. A full list fo the successful projects that were offered funding for Round 50 is available here. 

Many of these projects have already launched across various stations, with some beginning earlier this year and others just in recent weeks. This blog is the first in a series showcasing the innovative projects funded by this round. Below are examples of the new initiatives that have begun in stations across the country. 

My Town, Today FM  

My Town is a project dedicated to celebrating the vibrant community spirit of small towns and villages across Ireland. Today FM’s Weekend Breakfast with Alison Curtis is hitting the road to visit these remarkable places, shining a spotlight on the best of local life and community engagement. 

This initiative provides a platform for the diverse, interesting, and unique voices that make up Ireland today. The team at Today FM is actively seeking enthusiastic participants to join this exciting project. Click here to find out how you can get involved.

The Community Matters Series, Galway Bay FM

The Community Matters Series on Galway Bay FM is a vital platform for fostering community engagement and highlighting the diverse array of activities, events, and issues within communities around Galway City and County. The Galway Talks team broadcasts every two weeks from locations at the heartbeat of each community, creating a dynamic and interactive experience for listeners. 

The series aims to connect their listeners to the people in each community through interviews with local leaders, community organisers, and residents who contribute to the social fabric of their own communities. From showcasing cultural events to discussing important matters, it also focuses on the talent, the humour, and the fun each community thrives on. 

Furthermore, the programme serves as a forum for discussing issues that impact each community directly. Whether it’s addressing local concerns, promoting community initiatives, or inviting listeners to share their thoughts, “Community Matters OB” actively involves their listeners, making them active participants in the dialogue that shapes our community. 

The Community Matters series amplifies local voices, celebrates achievements, and addressing challenges. The programme strengthens the bonds that tie individuals together, making it an indispensable part of Galway community life. 

To listen back to the series so far, click here.  

'Did you meet anyone?', Limerick's Live 95

Often, when Limerick people would return home from a trip to the local village or town, the first question they'd be asked would be, 'Did you meet anyone?' from those who were thirsty for the latest news from the community. Limerick's Live 95's new series is all about the people you meet in communities across Limerick County and city, the people with unique stories to tell of how they contribute to the social and cultural fabric of Limerick life. Over the 16-week series, you'll meet people in business, the arts, sports, education, the voluntary sector, and beyond across a wide variety of different Limerick communities. 

Week one features Kilmallock, once the capital of Munster and also once one of the biggest towns in Ireland. Diarmuid McIntyre takes listeners on a journey through the town, visiting some of the historical sites and meeting the people who make Kilmallock unique, people like Max Hennessy and Ciara Moloney of the Friars Gate Theatre.  

Each programme focuses on a different part of Limerick and will be broadcast in the 7 o'clock hour on the In The County programme on Saturday mornings with Trevor Anderson.  Listeners can also get a taste of each episode with the producers of the programmes and some of their guests featured on Limerick Today on the Thursday before each episode broadcasts. Listen to episode 1 by clicking here.  

My So-Called Beat Life, Beat 102 103

My So-Called Beat Life is a project developed to understand young people's attitudes, behaviors, and thoughts as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and transition back to normality. This collaboration between Beat 102-103 and SPARK aims to ask the right questions to grasp the realities of young people in Ireland today.

Young people in the South East and nationwide were surveyed about themselves, their experiences, radio and phone habits, and political views. The results are based on data collected from Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, and the rest of the Republic of Ireland. The project builds on the 2021 research project "My So-Called Covid Life" to track the evolving lives of young people and how they have changed.

Interesting findings from the project so far include:

• More young people aged 18 to 28 in the South East source their news from social media (76% in the South East compared to 72% nationally).
• A higher percentage of young people in the South East source their news from radio (30% in the South East compared to 28% nationally).
• 55% of young people in the South East keep up to date with current affairs through family or friends, while one in five consult newspapers for their news.

To find out more about this project, click here. 

The funding from the Sound & Vision 4 Broadcasting Funding Scheme has evoked a wave of innovative projects across the sector. From celebrating local community spirit, fostering engagement to capturing local stories, these initiatives are set to make a significant impact. Be sure to tune in and support these projects as they continue to highlight the best of Irish life and community spirit. Part 2 of this series, exploring additional projects from Round 50, will be available on the 30th of July.