Sound & Vision (broadcasting funding)
Up to 95% of eligible costs, tapering as the budget grows. For radio: up to 95% on awards to €20,000, 90% from €20,001 to €40,000, 85% from €40,001 to €55,000, and above €55,001 it is negotiated but will not exceed 85%. For television including film: up to 95% to €50,000, 90% from €50,001 to €250,000, 85% from €250,001 to €750,000, and above that negotiated to a maximum of 85%. No minimum award is published.
Last checked October 2026
What it is
Funding to make a television or radio programme, for broadcasters and for independent producers. It covers up to 95% of the eligible costs of the programme, on a sliding scale that drops as the budget rises. Round 61 closed on 16 July 2026 and Round 62 is expected to open in October. The condition that catches everybody: you generally need a letter from a broadcaster agreeing to air it when you apply.
Who can get it
- You are a television or radio broadcaster, or an independent producer. The scheme says it covers everybody from a small local business making programmes for community broadcasters to large production houses
- You have an agreement to broadcast the programme, evidenced by a broadcaster letter, which can itself be conditional on you getting the funding
- For television the programme must be broadcast on a free television service reaching at least 90% of the population or on an appropriate network provider or on an MMD system as community content under a community content provision contract. For radio it must hold a contract with the regulator or be RTÉ
- The broadcaster letter is the real gate. Coimisiún na Meán will only fund a programme that will actually be broadcast, and generally requires written confirmation of an agreement to broadcast, in a suitable time slot, at the application stage. Get that conversation started long before the round opens.
- The programme has to go out at PEAK TIME. That means 18.00 to 23.30 on television and 07.00 to 21.00 on radio. Children's programmes (unless on a dedicated children's channel) and educational programmes are exempt, though not between midnight and 07.00. For Irish-language programmes and long-form television the peak time runs to midnight.
- Subtitling is compulsory on every funded programme, and it has to follow the regulator's subtitling guidelines.
- There is a territorial spend condition. Where the grant is less than half the production budget, the regulator generally requires 160% of the grant to be spent in the Republic. Where it is more than half, it requires 80% of the whole budget to be spent on the island of Ireland. A lower level may be accepted in certain circumstances.
- It will not fund equipment or premises, although some capital costs may be eligible where the applicant is a community broadcaster or a community group involved in programme production, assessed case by case. It will not fund anything not directly related to making or delivering the programme. A recoupment clause is generally written into the contract.
- The money is split 85% television to 15% radio and a minimum of 20% to 25% of the funding is allocated to Irish-language programming.
- The scheme document still carries the name of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and is dated April 2020. Coimisiún na Meán took over the function, and the published dates for each round are described as indicative and subject to change.
How to apply
Applications go through Coimisiún na Meán. The official page has the full eligibility rules and the application itself.
Go to the official page →Checked against the official source on 7 October 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
Questions people ask
How much of my budget will Sound & Vision cover?
Up to 95% of eligible costs for a smaller programme, tapering as the budget rises. On television it is up to 95% to €50,000, 90% to €250,000 and 85% to €750,000, with anything larger negotiated to a maximum of 85%.
Can an independent producer apply, or only broadcasters?
Both. The scheme accepts applications from television and radio broadcasters and from independent producers, and says it is meant to reach everybody from a small local business to a large production house.
Do I need a broadcaster on board before I apply?
Yes, in practice. Only programmes that will be broadcast are funded, and applicants are generally required to provide a broadcaster letter confirming an agreement to air it in a suitable slot. That letter can be conditional on the funding coming through.
When is the next round?
Round 61 closed on 16 July 2026. Round 62 is published as opening in October with a November closing date, both to be confirmed, and the regulator notes its dates are indicative.
Related guides
- Aosdána (the Cnuas)
- Music Generation
- Night-Time Economy Grassroots Venue Support Scheme
- Section 481 Film Tax Credit
- Per Cent for Art Scheme
Not sure if this one is you?
Describe your situation in your own words and the assistant shows every support you might qualify for, this one included. Free, no sign up, anonymous.
Check what you might qualify for →Grants change all the time.
Leave your email and I will tell you if the Sound & Vision (broadcasting funding) changes, or a new support opens that fits you. It is free and there is no spam.