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 September 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 need a letter from a broadcaster agreeing to air it before you can 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 broadcaster must be a free television service reaching at least 90% of the population. 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.
- 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, 160% of the grant has to be spent in the Republic. Where it is more than half, 80% of the whole budget has to be spent on the island of Ireland.
- It will not fund equipment or premises, and 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 between 20% and 25% of it goes 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 12 September 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
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