The UK Audio and Radio Emergency Fund (COVID-19)
Posted on: Thursday 14th of May 2020
The Audio and Radio Emergency Fund has been created to help those in the radio and audio sector who are facing hardship because of the coronavirus crisis. Most importantly, the fund is operating on a ‘rolling’ basis from Monday–Monday, unlike some other benevolent funds (many of which are now closed to new applications).
The urgent need to provide support for freelancers and other individuals who are the lifeblood of radio, podcasts, and audiobooks, has brought together the Radio Academy, AudioUK, the BBC, Audible, ReelWorld and Folder Media to create the new Fund.
It has been kick-started with a contribution from the Radio Academy’s benevolent fund and boosted by contributions from the BBC and internet audio company Audible. Funding from other organisations will be announced shortly.
The scheme will give grants of up to £1,000 to individuals who need extra support during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as those in hardship who are receiving no government assistance; people who need help with radio or audio development projects, or those who need new equipment or software.
