Overview
Overview
The Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund (the ‘USBF’) provides finance for the production of film, television or other moving image projects relating to the Ulster-Scots heritage, culture and language in Northern Ireland. As of 31st March 2022, the USBF has supported 225 hours of television content as well as a range of digital content and radio projects.
The overarching aim of the USBF is to ensure that the heritage, culture and language of Ulster-Scots is expressed through moving image. As a support to the primary aim, the USBF is also open to supporting radio content produced for BBC Radio Ulster; other local commercial stations and/or community radio.
For details on the latest priorities of the USBF, please read the USBF Priorities document. Specific calls will be announced throughout 2022 and details of which will be available in Funding section.
Objectives
The objectives of the Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund are:
- To deliver 10 additional hours of Ulster-Scots moving image programming per annum in a range of genres conducive to the delivery of the heritage, culture and language aim;
- To include Ulster-Scots Language Programming (including radio programming) to a minimum value of 20% of the available USBF production budget per annum;
- To deliver Ulster-Scots radio programming to a maximum of 10% of the available USBF production budget per annum;
- To deliver online projects consistent with the overarching aim of the USBF;
- To broadcast 90% of the USBF funded programming within 9 months of delivery;
- To reach a significant Northern Ireland audience, primarily but not exclusively through broadcast television, with an average per programme audience target of 40,000 people in Northern Ireland.
General information on applications to the USBF
- The USBF will organise a minimum of two funding calls in 2022/23. Please refer to the Funding section for further information on call dates.
- Normally production companies must submit applications to the eligible broadcasters in advance of submitting applications to the USBF.
For further information on the USBF please refer to the USBF guidelines and USBF Priorities document.
