The hunt for the next big thing in radio and young people’s television has begun, as applications opened today for a share of a Government financed £60 million fund set up to provide a boost to the UK’s Radio and Television sector.
The Young Audiences Content Fund (YACF), administered by the British Film Institute (BFI), will aim to stimulate the creation of content for children and young audiences to entertain, inform and reflect their experiences of growing up in the UK. It will support original programming of both animation and live-action across all genres and is the first of its kind to specifically focus on television for young people under the age of 18. Animation UK were pleased to be a part of the consulation for the guidelines of the Young Audiences Content Fund back in February.
The Audio Content Fund (ACF) will be used to produce distinctive, public service radio programming that is traditionally more difficult to support on a commercial basis. This includes programmes such as documentaries, comedy, drama and light entertainment.
Both funds will also provide a boost to indigenous UK languages programming such as Welsh and Gaelic, with an aim to invest five per cent of the total fund on this.
“Young people in the UK deserve high quality content that entertains, informs and reflects their experiences growing up across the country today.The UK’s broadcast sectors reach hundreds of millions of people of all ages around the globe and are a tremendous success story that we are justifiably proud of. This innovative project is an integral part of our ongoing support for the UK’s vibrant media sector which we want to see go from strength to strength.”
Minister for Digital and Creative Industries Margot James
Both the YACF and the ACF aim to bring a positive injection of investment into their sectors, which will help create new avenues for creators of original content and bring a wider range of new voices to the market.
“We’re really excited to start receiving bids for the Audio Content Fund. It’s going to be fascinating to see the great ideas the audio production sector has to offer, and where the fund can make a difference on the UK’s commercial and community radio stations.It’s clear that the ACF is going to develop creative collaboration between sections of our community that may not otherwise have the opportunity to work together, and we’re looking forward to hearing innovative radio that gives a platform to new and diverse voices around the UK.”
Sam Bailey, Managing Director of the Audio Content Fund
“It is such a thrill to throw the Fund doors open, and a privilege to help support the development and production of brilliant, innovative television programmes that uniquely reflect the lives of children across the UK. Thanks to investment from the DCMS, this Fund has the power to create a real cultural impact in this country, fostering creativity, helping grow and preserve the Public Service Broadcast landscape and best of all, creating exciting, nourishing content that the audience will treasure for life.”
Jackie Edwards, Head of the Young Audiences Content Fund at the BFI
Information on how to apply and what the administrators are looking for is available on the BFI’s website.
