A number of radio funds are being created around the world to support those who work in the radio and audio sector who are facing difficult or uncertain times as a result of COVID-19. The coherence and unity of organisations across the industry to support those who need assistance is a positive by-product of the current situation. As we navigate through this period, we will continue to share with you the work of various organisations around the world who are partaking in such initiatives.
Some of the Radio Funds created as a result of COVID-19 include:
Radio Academy Fund – Audio and Radio Emergency Fund, United Kingdom
This fund provides urgent support to freelancers and other individuals who are the lifeblood of radio. A joint initiative of Radio Academy, The Audio UK, BBC, ReelWorld and Folder Media, this fund provided grants of 1000 pounds to those who have not qualified for government assistance. The fund has been created to assist with development projects, new equipment or software purchases
CBF – Community Broadcasting Fund – COVID 19 Crisis Fund, Australia
Providing grants to Australian community radio stations that need support as a result of COVID-19. The aim is to help stations maintain service requirements and quality as they adapt to the needs and broadcasting limitations of social distancing.
Audio Content Fund – 60 Second Support Fund, United Kingdom
This fund is an extension of the Audio Content Fund supported by the UK Government. 60 Second Support is available to all community and commercial radio stations across the United Kingdom.
Radio funding occurs in different degrees and capacities around the world. Every nation has their own approach to community and commercial radio funding, however there are a number of organisations which have been providing support to the radio sector prior to the COVID-19 crisis. A few examples include:
– NRP Foundation – providing funding to member stations (United States)
– Europe Radio Grant – a grant rewarded to producers of radio broadcasters (Europe)
– FSER Funding – a branch of France’s Federal Ministry of Cultural Communication which awards a number of grants to radio stations (France)
– OFCOM – UK Government grants to community radio (United Kingdom)
We will be providing regular updates on COVID-19 crisis radio funds over this period as more information from different countries becomes available.
Do you know about radio funds being created in your country as a response to COVID-19, or in general? If you have more information send an email to katalina@radiodayseurope.com
